On Monday evening, gunmen attacked a police checkpoint along the Owerri-Onitsha road, killing four police officers and a Point of Sale (PoS) operator.
The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. at a popular hotel in Irete, Owerri West Local Government Area, where the police checkpoint was stationed. An eyewitness, who requested anonymity due to safety concerns, reported that the attackers also shot several civilians, who were rushed to a nearby hospital.
“The gunmen stormed the checkpoint and opened fire on the officers and the PoS operator. It was a horrific scene; everyone around fled in fear of stray bullets,” the eyewitness said.
The same eyewitness noted that the road has become a frequent target for such attacks, recalling previous incidents where both police officers and civilians were killed.
Another local resident, also speaking anonymously, identified the attackers as enforcers of the Monday sit-at-home order in the South-East. He expressed surprise, believing the order had been lifted, and warned that such violence would deter people from leaving their homes on Mondays.
Efforts to reach the Imo State Police Spokesman, Henry Okoye, for comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
Residents are calling for increased security measures in the area to prevent further violence.
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