Gunmen Kill Two Policemen in Rivers

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Unknown gunmen have killed two policemen on stop-and-search operation along Okija Street, Mile one Diobu in the Port Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State.

THISDAY gathered that the police victims attached to the Mile One Police Division may have been gun down Tuesday night, by gunmen suspected to be terrorizing the area.

The Commander of Phalga Security Watch, Mr. Victor Ohaji, who confirmed the incident, said the two police personnel were killed Tuesday night.

Ohaji revealed that the hoodlums, who were riding on a vehicle, got to the checkpoint, attempted to reverse but where interrupted by the officers and at that point they opened fire on the police.

“Bad boys killed two policemen who were on stop and search at Okija street. The boys shot the officers when they saw the personnel as obstacle for them to continue with their mission”.

However, the local vigilante commander call for an assistance to the local vigilante group, especially as the festive period is approaching so they can assist the security agencies in the fight against crime and criminality in the area.

“We are trying our best in the security of this area (Phalga) but if they empower us we will do better. If the local government provides two patrol vans for us it will aid our efforts”.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police has confirmed the incident.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nnamdi Omoni, said the Commissioner of Police, Friday Eboka has ordered investigation into the crime.

Omoni, who stated that gunmen made away with rifle belonging to one of the victims, said the hoodlums abandoned their Toyota Corolla car used for the operation.

He said: I can confirm the attack on our men posted to Okija street on stop and search by unknown gunmen last night. Two Police officers were killed.

“Investigation has been ordered by the CP. One Toyota COROLLA with Reg.no Rivers ABU 380 AW used by the attackers was abandoned. One AK47 Rifle belonging to one of the officers carted away.”