Five police personnel were shot dead and another abducted by unknown gunmen in a fresh attack on a police formation in Imo on Monday.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Orlando Ikeokwu, confirmed the incident in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
According to him, the assailants attacked the Okigwe South Zonal Police Area Command in Ehime-Mbano Local Government Area of the state, where they shot and killed the operatives on guard.
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“Five officers have been killed, while one is yet to be accounted for, but the building was not burnt,” Ikeokwu said.
It was learnt that the deceased engaged the attackers in a gun battle but were later overpowered by the heavily-armed assailants.
Eyewitness account said the incident caused serious panic in the area, forcing many residents to flee their homes into the bush for safety.
The incident brought to nine the number of such heineous attacks in Imo since April 5, when gunmen attacked the police headquarters and correctional centre in Owerri.