Gunmen attacked a police checkpoint at Idemili-Obosi Interchange on the Onitsha-Owerri Road, Anambra State, on Saturday, killing two policemen.
The Gunmen also set the police patrol vehicle on fire.
It was gathered that about 10 policemen were at the checkpoint when the incident happened.
A source, Okwuchukwu said the police checkpoint created gridlock on the road.
He said, “The traffic almost got to Upper Iweka Junction. At a point, it became a no movement situation on both lanes of the road.
“I was in the traffic when we suddenly heard gunshots and before you knew it, everybody, including the policemen, started running. They shot two policemen dead and burnt their vehicle.”
Another source also said, “This place was brutal yesterday (Saturday). I think their targets were the policemen who mounted a checkpoint, which caused a horrific traffic situation on both lanes, made worst by the ongoing road construction and that is the reason this road is very free today because there is no checkpoint.”
The State Police Public Relations Officer, Ikenga Tochukwu, confirmed that the incident happened at about 5:20pm and that the remains of the officers have been deposited in a morgue.
He said, “What happened on Saturday around 5.20pm along the Obosi Idemili flyover is an example of the price we pay as police officers in service to the nation and humanity.
“Three of the armed men were demobilized, while two police personnel paid the supreme price. The police also recovered the rifles of the slain officers. A Lexus SUV, one of the operational vehicles of the armed hoodlums, was also recovered. The operation is still ongoing. Further details shall be communicated.
“The Anambra State Police Command is firm and the personnel are more motivated in providing security services until the current security concern is reduced to the barest minimum and overcome.”