Gunmen, on Tuesday, killed no fewer than seven Joint Task Force (JTF) operatives in an ambush in the Umualumaku settlement in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo.

The incident occurred at about noon when the security operatives were set to mount a checkpoint.

A source, who pleaded anonymity, told journalists that the deceased operatives included those from the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The source said the assailants also set ablaze two security trucks conveying the joint security team with the bodies.

“I heard gunshots for some minutes, but I didn’t know exactly what was happening until someone came to inform us that soldiers and policemen were killed and burnt in two Hilux vehicles,” the source said.

The source further stated that the incident caused fear and tension in the area, as residents ran indoors for safety while the commercial vehicles plying the road made a U-turn for fear of attack.

When contacted, the police public relations officer in the state, ASP Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident but pleaded for time to get its full details.

 (NAN)