Two killed as gunmen attack police checkpoint in Ebonyi

Two people — including a police officer — have been killed following an attack on a police checkpoint along Presco junction in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi capital.

The incident happened on Monday around 9pm at the Enugu-Abakaliki expressway axis.

The gunmen were said to have stormed the police checkpoint in the area on motorcycles and started shooting at the officers.

One of the gunmen was also killed.

Chris Anyanwu, Ebonyi police spokesperson, on Tuesday, confirmed the incident.

“Yes, I am aware of the attack on our men. One mobile police officer was killed and one member of the gunmen too,” he said.

Chike Odoh, a resident in the area, told NAN that the police engaged the gunmen in a shootout which resulted in the death of the two persons.

The development comes amid attacks on police officers and stations in the south-east in recent months.

The attacks have been blamed on members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), but the separatist group has repeatedly denied its involvement.

In November, gunmen shot dead two members of the Ebube Agu south-east security outfit during an attack in Ebebe junction in Abakaliki, Ebonyi.

In August, gunmen attacked some police officers at G-Hostel road in Abakaliki — one of the gunmen was shot dead during the attack.