Unknown gunmen, on Monday evening, struck at the Irete axis of the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway, killing four police operatives and a female point-of-sale operator.

The policemen were attacked while on duty at a checkpoint near SaveMore Market Place, Irete, in Owerri West LGA.

A witness account said that the tragic incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m.

“The security personnel were taken unawares as the gunmen suddenly opened fire on them, killing four and a female PoS operator nearby. It was a terrible situation as people around ran for their safety when they heard the gunshots. The horrifying event has left the Irete Community in shock and mourning,” the witness said.

It also learnt that the gunmen shot severally at the patrol van and its tyres to prevent any surviving security personnel from using it to chase them.

Police commissioner Aboki Danjuma “condemned the attack and gruesome murder” of his men and a civilian.

A statement by the command’s spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye, accused the proscribed Indigenous People of  Biafra/Eastern Security Network of being the masterminds.

Mr Okoye disclosed that the police commissioner “has deployed the command’s Tactical Units with the available operational assets and intelligence to go all out in synergy with other security agencies and hunt down the hoodlums responsible for the attack.”

According to the statement, the cops were ambushed while on a routine patrol at Irete on the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway.

He also explained that the remains of the deceased had been evacuated and deposited at the mortuary, while the injured person was rushed to a nearby hospital “where he is currently responding to treatment.

(NAN)