[News] Six policemen feared killed as gunmen attack checkpoint in Enugu

Several persons including six policemen were killed when unknown gunmen attacked a Police checkpoint in Amodu, Obeagu-Amechi in Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu state.

It was gathered that the gunmen attacked the checkpoint located at Obeagu Uno shortly after Inyaba Bridge around 7:30 pm on Wednesday night, July 21.

It was further learnt that unknown number of bystanders and commuters died from stray bullets while others sustained various degrees of injuries as the police engaged the gunmen in a fierce battle.

According to eyewitnesses, the attack which started about 5:30pm at a busy spot at Mmiri Ocha Amodu lasted till about 7pm.

The assailants who came from Agbani axis of the road had first encounter with policemen at 4 Corner and in Amagunze in Nkanu East Council headquarters before going to attack the checkpoint at Enugu South.

The hoodlums killed about six policemen at the checkpoint, burnt their Hilux van and took away their AK-47 rifles.

“It was around 7 pm we started hearing gunshots along the road. The shooting lasted about 30 minutes. But after the shooting, the hoodlums appeared to have overpowered the policemen as they succeeded in setting their vehicle on fire. I can’t say how many policemen were killed but the policemen at the checkpoint were six. What I can tell you is that up to six people were killed in the incident. Some of the hoodlums may have also been involved.” a source told Punch

Spokesperson of the Enugu State Police Command,  Daniel Ndukwe, who confirmed the incident said that though the details were still sketchy, however, police have started preliminary investigation into the matter.

“Information surrounding the shooting incidents in the evening hours of today, 21/07/2021, where Police operatives were allegedly attacked by yet to be identified gunmen at checkpoints in Obeagu-Amechi in Enugu South LGA and Amagunze in Nkanu East LGA are still sketchy. Meanwhile, preliminary investigations have commenced. Further development will be communicated.” he stated.