Gunmen on Tuesday night attacked some policemen on duty at the Okija axis of Mile 1, PortHarcourt, Diobu in Rivers state.

The incident which occurred at about 8pm led to the death of two policemen who were on stop and search duty.

A taxi driver identified simply as Okey told PUNCH on Wednesday morning, that the assailants rode in a vehicle when they launched the attack.

“It was not a small thing at all. Just past 8pm last night, I was driving past the area when I heard gunshot. They were in a car and speeding. Next thing two policemen were on the ground with blood.

 

“They were taken unawares. I think the gunmen took their rifle. Most of the shops in the area had closed for the day when it happened,” Okey said.

A resident of the area who did not want his name in print for security reasons said the gunmen fled through the D/lime axis of Port Harcourt.

He further said about 15 minutes after the incident, a team of policemen arrived the scene with a patrol van, which made him leave for fear of arrest.

Spokesman of the state police command, Nnamdi Omoni confirmed the shooting, noting that an AK-47 rifle belonging to one of the dead officers was carted away by the hoodlums.

Omoni also mentioned that a vehicle used by the gunmen was abandoned at the scene.

“I can confirm the attack by unknown gunmen on our men posted to Okija Street on stop and search.

“Two Police officers were killed. Investigation has been ordered by the Commissioner of Police.

“One Toyota Corrola, with Reg. No. Rivers ABU 380 AW, used by the attackers was abandoned. One AK47 Rifle belonging to one of the officers carted away.”