Four police officers, two civilians killed as gunmen attack patrol team in Ebonyi

Gunmen have attacked a patrol team in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state capital, killing four police officers.

The attack took place around 5am on Friday at the Ebyia bridge checkpoint along Hill-Top road, Abakaliki.

Two residents were also killed during the gun duel between the police and the gunmen.

Joshua Ukandu, acting police spokesperson in Ebonyi, said the gunmen are suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

“The operatives engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel, and in the ensuing gun battle, the hoodlums scampered and abandoned a pump action rifle which was recovered,” Ukandu said.

“However, four of the operatives paid the supreme price, while two civilians were caught in the crossfire and killed.”

The spokesperson said the police are currently on the trail of the gunmen.

The incident is the latest of the spate of violent attacks on police officers and government facilities in the south-east.

In February, a police officer was killed when gunmen attacked a patrol team along Ngbo-Effium road in Ohaukwu LGA of Ebonyi.