An attack on the Izombe police division in Imo on Friday left two police officers and three bandits dead, according to the police command in the state.

The command’s spokesman, Mike Abattam, confirmed this in a statement issued to newsmen on Saturday in Owerri, stating that the police successfully repelled the attack and recovered rifles from the bandits, while others fled with bullet wounds.

He said that at about 2:45 a.m. on August 13, armed bandits attacked the Izombe Police station, but couldn’t gain access due to the swift response from the police.

Mr Abattam said the bandits engaged the police in a gun duel that ended with three of them being neutralised and the rest fleeing into the bush.

One pump action gun with two rounds of live cartridges and one locally made double barrel pistol with two expended cartridges, were recovered from the attackers.

“Unfortunately, the command lost two of its gallant officers in the attack.

Our tactical teams were presently in pursuit of the bandits and combing the bush for the arrest of the fleeing bandits and possible recovery of their arms.

“The command is using this medium to call on the good people of Imo especially, the Izombe community, to assist the police with credible information that will lead to the arrest of the fleeing bandits,” Mr Abattam said.

While members of the community were to report to the nearest police station, any person seen with bullet wounds, hospitals were advised to ensure that they report any person who comes to them for treatment of bullet wounds.