Gunmen kill 5 policemen in Ebonyi

Some gunmen have killed five police officers in Abakiliki, Ebonyi state.

The incident happened at the popular Ebyia bridge along Hilltop road, Abakiliki, around 5am on Friday.

Also killed were two suspected prostitutes who were said to be returning to their respective homes in the area.

It was gathered that the gunmen had recently attacked and killed policemen on duty at the same spot three months ago.

The deceased officers were at their duty post when the gunmen open fire on them.

A resident, Mrs. Ngozi (surname withheld) disclosed that the assailants were allegedly returning from operation when they opened fire on the officers.

“My dear our area has become a hit zone for hoodlums, just this morning we heard another incident that some policemen were killed by suspected armed robbers at Hill-Top road near the gas station.

“And you know that similar incident happened at the same spot last year where some police officers were also killed by armed gang.

“Some of the slain officers in last year’s attack are yet to be buried and now another six policemen have lost their lives in same manner, including two girls just this morning.

“Those two ladies were said to girlfriends of the slain officers while some claimed that they were prostitutes who were returning home,” she stated.

As at the time of filing this report, the state command public relations officer , DSP Joshua Ukandu, was yet to issue statement on the tragic incident.