A POLICEMAN has been killed while another was abducted when gunmen attacked the Eziama-Uli Health Centre in the Ihiala Local Government Area
The incident happened late on Wednesday during a medical outreach programme organised by the Uli Global Ambassadors for Development Initiative.
An eyewitness, yesterday, said the gunmen stormed the venue of the programme and shot sporadically, adding that participants and organisers scampered to safety.
No one could, however, ascertain the reason for the attack.
The eyewitness, who did not identify himself, said during the attack, the men abducted another officer.
The witness said, “The gunmen shot two police officers, one died on the spot, while the other who sustained injuries was rushed to a hospital where he is receiving medical treatment. The third officer was abducted and up until now, no one knows his whereabouts.”
An official of ULIGADI, who did not identify himself because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, confirmed the incident.
He said, “One officer died after the unfortunate incident. The second officer is at the hospital receiving medical attention. We are looking for the third officer. The recovery team is making efforts to rescue him.”
The dead policeman was identified as Inspector Ezekiel Aliyu, while the name of the injured police officer at the hospital could not be ascertained.
The policemen were from the 19 Police Mobile Force.
The state police spokesman, Ikenga Tochukwu, who confirmed the incident, said the command was working to unravel the identities of the attackers.
He said, “What happened at the Eziama Uli yesterday (Wednesday) is an example of the sacrifice we pay as police officers in service to the nation and humanity. The details of the incident are still sketchy, but it involved police personnel providing security services. Police operatives have cordoned off the area and the operation is ongoing. Further details shall be communicated.”
