Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Police in Anambra State have confirmed the killing of three security operatives in Ihiala Local Government Area of the state.
The gunmen were said to have attacked the operatives at the local government secretariat, while also beheading one of the slain operatives.
The gunmen reportedly used an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) to burn down about five buildings in the area.
Confirming the incident in a statement made available to Ikengaonline on Thursday, Police authorities in the State stated that its men were alerted, and that one of the gunmen was killed by police operatives when they were confronted.
Spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the incident said: “Following the Police/Military operations ongoing in Ihiala and its neighboring town, operatives responded to a distress call at about 2:55 am.
“The attack was on Ihiala Local Government headquarters, and one of the attackers was neutralised, and operatives recovered two locally made IED launcher, seven undetonated IED, 40 pieces of live cartridges, 15 live 7.62MM Ak47 ammunition, knives, charms, and other dangerous weapons.”
Ikenga said as at the time police operatives responded to the call, the attackers had already murdered, three vigilante operatives on duty, one of whom was beheaded while setting five buildings ablaze with IED and petrol bombs.
He said: “The joint force operatives engaged the arsonist/attackers, and obstructed them from causing further damage, while some escaped with bullet wounds.
“The bodies of the victims were recovered and joint operations are still ongoing. Further development shall be communicated.”
