The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the death of some of its officers at a checkpoint in Obeagu-Amechi Community in Enugu South Local Government Area following an onslaught by unknown gunmen.
According to eyewitnesses, the bodies of at least four policemen, as well as a pastor, were seen after the attack.
Some onlookers were also said to have fallen victims.
A police patrol van was set ablaze by the gunmen during the attack.
The police spokesman in the State, ASP Daniel Ndukwe, who confirmed the incident, said, “Information surrounding the shooting incidents in the evening hours of today (Wednesday) 21/07/2021, where Police officers were allegedly attacked by yet-to-be-identified gunmen at checkpoints in Obeagu-Amechi in Enugu South LGA and Amagunze in Nkanu East LGA is still sketchy.”
He said that preliminary investigations have begun assuring that further development will be communicated.
The number of casualties sustained on the part of the gunmen is still not clear at this time.
A source who communicated with The News Guru hinted that the attack which started at about 5:30 pm on Wednesday at a busy spot at Mmiri Ocha Amodu lasted till 7 pm.
The informant said he identified four policemen, one pastor, and a neighborhood watch officer among the dead who were taken to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku – Ozalla mortuary.
“The gunbattle was so fierce, it happened along Obeagu – Amechi Road to Agbani Nkanu a few kilometers from Enugu State capital.
“There was confusion and tension while it lasted, people were running in different directions. I think the police officers were totally caught unawares,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police has issued a fresh order to officers in the state, urging them to stay alert and vigilant.
This order came just as it was discovered that the assailants who shot and killed the police officers at the checkpoint were dressed personnel of the force.
In a wireless letter seen by The Street Journal, the police boss instructed all command heads to caution all personnel not to lose guard, especially “when approached by individuals or groups of persons dressed in military, NSCDC, or police uniforms.”
According to him, these might “be hoodlums” disguised in military and paramilitary uniforms.