The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the death of two policemen on Monday after gunmen attacked the Anambra Zonal Police Headquarters in Ukpo, Dunukfia Local Government Area of the state.
In another incident, four others were killed in cult-related violence with reports revealing that five suspects had already been apprehended by the command, while the matter was under investigation.
The attack on the police station was confirmed in a statement on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Zone 13, Nkeiru Nwode, who said that the attackers came in their numbers and started shooting indiscriminately in order to gain access to the facility.
She said, “Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Zone 13 Headquarters, Ukpo, Anambra State, successfully repelled an attack on the zonal headquarters by criminal elements in the early hours of today (Monday).
“The attackers, who came in their numbers and shooting indiscriminately in order to gain access to the facility, were repelled by police personnel on duty, who showed profound gallantry in the face of the seemingly overwhelming attack.
“Following the inability of the attackers to have access to the facility, they cowardly threw petrol bombs and Improvised Explosive Devices on vehicles within the periphery of the headquarters.
“One of the criminal elements was neutralised during the exchange of gunfire between the police and the attackers, while many of the gang members escaped with gunshot injuries.”
Nwode added, “One L7A2 General-Purpose Machine Gun, 92 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, one locally-made smoke pistol and an axe were recovered by the police. Regrettably, two police operatives sustained gunshot injuries and are presently receiving treatment.
