Policeman shot dead as gunmen attack Akwa Ibom station

A police officer was killed on Sunday during an attack by gunmen on Ini divisional police station in Odoro Ikpe, Akwa Ibom state.

The gunmen were said to have attacked the police station in the early hours of Sunday.

According to NAN, they arrived on motorcycles and opened fire on the officers, killing one of those present.

Odiko Macdon, spokesman of the Akwa Ibom police command who confirmed the incident, said the security agency arrested one of the gunmen.

Macdon said the officer killed was confirmed dead at the hospital where he was taken to after being shot.

“Police operatives arrested one of the hoodlums, Imo John Udo, 28, from Ikot Edem village in Essien Udim LGA of the state,” he told NAN.

“Their operational vehicle, a Venza, they used was recovered and three motorcycles.

“Men of the Operation Restore Peace are still combing the bush as the hoodlums possibly escaped with bullet wounds sustained in a gun duel during the attack.”

He also said Andrew Amiengheme, the state commissioner of police, has ordered an investigation into the incident, adding: “In no distant time, more of the perpetrators will be arrested.”

Sunday’s incident is the latest in a series of attacks on police stations in southern parts of the country.

Usman Baba, the inspector-general of police (IGP), had launched the ‘Operation Restore Peace’ as part of efforts to end the violence.