A Sunday dawn shootout between gunmen and police operatives at the divisional headquarters in Unwana, Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi has resulted in at least one death and many gun injury.

Spokesperson of the command, Loveth Odah, said the police killed one of the gunmen and recovered two AK-47 rifles and other incriminating items when the hoodlums attacked the station.

“At 3:00 a.m. today, 24th October 2021, yet-to-be-identified gunmen numbering about 35 attacked Unwana Divisional Headquarters in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

“The attackers were shooting sporadically at the policemen on duty, who immediately repelled the attack.

“In the gun battle that ensued, one of the hoodlums was killed and two AK 47 rifles and other incriminating items were recovered.

“Other suspects escaped with bullet wounds. Regrettably, one police inspector attached to the division was seriously wounded. The police operational vehicles are intact.

“Investigation revealed that the deceased suspect had been on the police wanted list for various attacks on police stations.

“One of the recovered AK-47 rifles has been identified to be the rifle stolen from Ohaukwu police division early this month.

“Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police Ebonyi State Command, Aliyu Garba, has embarked on an on-the-spot assessment of the division and also ordered a manhunt on the fleeing hoodlums.

“The CP appeals to the law-abiding citizens of the state to promptly volunteer useful information to unravel the true identity of the fleeing gang members,” she stated.