8 gunmen, 2 cops lost their lives in Umuahia attack -Police

From Okey Sampson, Umuahia

Abia State Police Command has spoken on the attack on state CID in Umuagu, Umuahia on Saturday by unknown gunmen, saying two police officers were killed while eight of the hoodlums were gunned down in the crossfire.

This was in addition to the commercial tricycle operator said to have been killed by a stray bullet during the gun duel police had with the criminals.

Briefing newsmen in Umuahia yesterday, the PPRO of the command, SP Geoffrey Ogbonna expressed regret that two Inspectors lost their lives in the attack.

He disclosed that the gunmen had stormed the police formation at about 6pm on Saturday, shooting sporadically.

The police image maker said policemen on duty engaged the gunmen before reinforcement from the command headquarters which added to the fierce engagement with men on ground that eventually saw eight of the hoodlums neutralised.

He added that some of the attackers escaped with gunshot wounds while two vehicles were recovered.

The State CID Ogbonna said was raised down following the detonation of an explosive through the back of the building.

While informing that suspects in detention were released and an exhibit car burnt, the PPRO however said no firearm was carted away.

Ogbonna urged medical facilities within and outside the state to report to security agencies anybody that comes for treatment with bullet wounds.