Joint security operatives on Thursday night killed no fewer than eight hoodlums after they resisted an attack on Orlu Divisional Police Headquarters in Imo state from gunmen.
The joint security operatives also recovered seven vehicles the attackers came with for the operation.
It was gathered that the gun battle between the gunmen and the security operatives lasted several hours, as the military sent reinforcement from the 34 artillery brigade, Obinze, in Owerri.
The gun duel created an atmosphere of panic, as people scampered for safety, as the roads in Orlu town and its environs were deserted. A resident of the area who preferred not to be mentioned said that “we slept with our hearts in our mouth last night.”
An Armoured Personnel Carrier was allegedly set ablaze at Umunna junction in Orlu town.
The Police Spokesperson in the state, Orlando Ikeokwu, could not be reached but a senior police officer confirmed the development.
The senior police officer said the corpses of the hoodlums and their vehicles had been brought to the state police command headquarters in Owerri.
He disclosed that the police divisional headquarters was not razed neither did any security officer killed in the attack.
The source said, “We successfully repelled an attempt to raze Orlu Divisional Police Headquarters last night. The hoodlums came in multiple vehicles and sophisticated weapons and assault rifles. They were repelled and eight of them were gunned down, with seven vehicles belonging to them recovered.
“Their corpses and seven vehicles belonging to them had been conveyed to Imo State Police Command headquarters in Owerri. As I speak to you now, they are with us. You need to see their charms and other things hanging on their necks.
“It was a big war. The gun battle lasted for hours but our men made up of the police, military and air force overpowered them. They were denied access into the police premises. Eight of them were killed and seven vehicles recovered while others fled.”
It was reported that the attack came just few hours a new Commissioner of Police, Abutu Yaro, assumed office in the state with an assurance to the residents of the state that he would resist further attacks on police formations and killings of cops in the state.