Gunmen Open Fire On Police Officers; 2 Cops, 1 Civilian Killed

Two police officers and a civilian were killed in Imo after a group of unidentified men opened fire Monday.

The incident happened at Ahiara Junction in Ahiazu Mbaise local government area during the visit of the newly appointed commissioner of police, Aboki Danjuma. Multiple reports said the gunmen killed the officers on the spot, while a passerby died after being hit by a stray bullet.

"Two policemen have been killed now at Ahiara Junction. On arrival, the gunmen opened fire in the direction of the policemen and killed two on the spot. A stray bullet also hit a young man and he died on the spot," Sahara Reporters said, quoting a source.

A video clip of the incident has been circulating on social media.

Henry Okoye, a spokesperson for Imo Police, said a manhunt has been launched for the gunmen.

"The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, Commander 34 Artillery Brigade and Joint Task Force operatives are combing the scene of the crime for evidence that will possibly lead to the arrest of hoodlums responsible for the attack and killing of two policemen at Ahaira Junction, in Ahaizu Mbaise LGA of Imo State," he said.

Kidnappings and murders have become very common in Nigeria. Just two days ago, a group of armed men kidnapped the traditional ruler of the Otulu autonomous community in Imo state and killed him. Eze Achulor's body was found Saturday night on Mbutu Road in Aboh-Mbaise local government area.

Last week, unidentified gunmen murdered the Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) Ife/Akpodim/Chokoneze ward chairman Smith Chiedoziem Anyanwu at his shop. The same week, a group of armed men invaded Rivers State House of Assembly Speaker Edison Ehie's home in Port Harcourt and opened fire. The speaker escaped unhurt.