The Imo police command has confirmed the death of five officers as gunmen attacked Okigwe South Area Command in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of the state.

The attack which occurred on Monday evening came barely two days after a violent attack was launched on Governor Hope Uzodinma’s country home in Omuma, Oru East Local Government Area.

It was gathered that gunmen released suspects and made away with police weapons during the attack.

Confirming the development through a WhatsApp message on Monday night, Imo police spokesman Orlando Ikeokwu said the whereabout of one of the officers was unknown.

He discarded claims that the police station was razed during the attack.

“I can confirm an attack on Okigwe South Area Command Hqrs by yet-to-be identified gunmen, five officers have been killed, while one is yet to be accounted for. The building not razed. Please,” Mr Ikeokwu said.

The recurring pattern of attacks on security facilities in Imo raises concern on the safety of citizens who may inadvertently encounter the wanted criminals, freed during the attacks.

The incessant attacks further question the capacity of the security forces to protect indigenes of Imo State from the escalating insurgency.

Weeks back, Peoples Gazette reported how unknown gunmen attacked Mbieri Divisional Police Headquarters in Imo state, leaving two policemen injured.

The attack was barely 24 hours after some gunmen attacked the Area Divisional Police Headquarters at Ehime Mbano Local Government Area.