No fewer than 8 gunmen have been killed by joint security operatives of the police and army on Thursday night while repelling an attack on Orlu Divisional Police Headquarters in Imo State. Seven vehicles were also recovered from the attackers.
The gun battle with the security operatives which lasted several hours, created panic, as people scampered for safety uncertain about what has going on in the area.
It was also disclosed that an Amoured Personnel Carrier was set ablaze at Umuna junction in Orlu town.
A senior police officer who confirmed the incident said the corpses of the gunmen and their vehicles have been brought to the State Police Command Headquarters in Owerri.
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The police officer also disclosed that the Divisional Police Headquarters was not razed neither did any security officer killed in the attack.
The attack came just few hours after the new Commissioner of Police, Abutu Yaro, assumed office with an assurance to prevent crime and criminality in the State.
Meanwhile, Yaro has called on residents of the State to be law abiding and partner with security agencies in order fish out dare devil criminals in the State. He made the call while parading lifeless bodies of 8 gunmen killed during gun battle between joint security operatives in Orlu Local Government Area
The Police Commissioner said the suspects that were killed are among the hoodlums who attacked the Owerri Custodial Centre and Police Headquarters in the state capital.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)