The police in Imo say another attempt by unknown gunmen to attack the command’s headquarters in Owerri on Sunday was repelled.

Five of the attackers were killed in a gun duel.

The Commissioner of Police in Imo, Abutu Yaro, confirmed the failed attack in a statement signed by the command’s spokesman, Bala Alkana.

Mr Yaro said officers killed five of the hoodlums during crossfire, while others fled with bullet injuries.

“Hoodlums masquerading as unknown gunmen attempted an attack on the police headquarters this morning but suffered a huge defeat.

“They made efforts to access the police headquarters through the Works Layout around Avan Nursery and Primary School but were vehemently repelled.

“They came in a white Hummer bus. Five of the hoodlums were killed during an exchange of fire and others were injured.

“The Hummer bus was recovered with four AK47 rifles, previously stolen from the police during a recent attack on its station, while officers have been deployed to apprehend the fleeing hoodlums.

Meanwhile, the command also announced that it had begun an in-depth investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Uguchi Unachukwu, who returned home from Germany and was allegedly murdered on May 31 in Imo.

The police commissioner said the command would unravel circumstances leading to the death.

Mr Unachukwu was shot dead on his way to the Sam Mbakwe Airport to catch a flight back to Germany.

He was allegedly murdered in front of his wife and two children by men in military uniform.

The police commissioner vowed to stop at nothing to unravel the incident.

“We sue for calm and assure the family and friends of the deceased that no stone will be left unturned in unravelling the circumstances surrounding the death,” the commissioner said.