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JUST IN: Unknown Gunmen attack checkpoint in Enugu, four policemen, others feared dead

Gunmen

On Wednesday night, gunmen stormed a roadblock in Obeagu-Amechi community in Enugu South local government, killing four police officers.

Residents informed The Nation that they counted four bodies of murdered police officers following the attack, however, the exact number is unknown.

At least two bystanders, including a pastor and a member of the Neighbourhood Watch, were also shot and killed during the incident, which caught the police officers off guard.

The Enugu Police Command confirmed the incident but stated that the number of casualties would be released later.

On the outskirts of Enugu metropolis, the attack was alleged to have taken place at the checkpoint at Obeagu Uno, immediately after the Inyaba Bridge, on the Obeagu Uno-Amodu – Umueze Amechi road.

At least three of the gunmen may have been killed by police agents at Amagunze, who were warned and set up an ambush for the fleeing militants, according to the Nation.

Many spectators and commuters were hurt as a result of the intense gunfight.

During the attack, the gunmen set fire to a police patrol van.

“Information surrounding the shooting incidents in the evening hours of today, 21/07/2021, where Police Operatives were allegedly attacked by yet-to-be-identified gunmen at checkpoints in Obeagu-Amechi in Enugu South LGA and Amagunze in Nkanu East LGA are still sketchy,” Enugu police spokesman ASP Daniel Ndukwe said.

He stated that preliminary investigations had begun and that further information will be released when it becomes available.

According to sources, the attack began shortly before 8 p.m. and lasted more than 30 minutes.

According to them, hoodlums from the Agbani axis of the route clashed with police officers at 4 Corner Junction and Amagunze in the Nkanu East Council headquarters before attacking the checkpoint in Enugu South.

“We started hearing gunshots down the road at 7.30 p.m.,” one of the individuals, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, added.

“The shooting took around 30 minutes to complete. However, the hoodlums looked to have overwhelmed the cops following the gunshot, since they were able to set their vehicle on fire”.

He said the dead carried to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku – Ozalla mortuary were four police officers, one pastor, and a neighborhood watch officer.

“There was confusion and tension while it lasted, people were running in different directions. I think the policemen were totally caught unawares,” the source said.

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Ihesiulo Grace

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