From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Bandits again has shot and killed 2 policemen at Izombe community in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State in a foiled police station attack on Friday, while the police in return neutralised 3 of them in a fierce gun battle.
According to a statement released by the police spokesperson in the State, Michael Abattam, the bandits he said on sighting the police engaged them in a gun duel but were subdued, due to the superior fire power of the police tactical team.
But before the bandits could make their escape into the bush, Abattam said ,2 of their gallant officers involved in the shootout were felled by the bullets of the bandits.
“They fled into the bush and in the process three of the bandits were neutralisated and their arms one pump action gun with two rounds of live cartridges and one locally made double barrel pistol with two expended cartridges were recovered from them to the station .
” while others escaped into the bush with bullet wounds. Unfortunately, the command lost two of it’s gallant officers in the attack.
Meanwhile, the tactical teams the police spokesperson said are presently in pursuit of the bandits, combing the bushes for the arrest of those of them that fled and possible recovery of their arms .
The command therefore appealed to residents of the State especially the Izombe community to assist the police with credible information that will lead to the arrest of the fleeing bandits and to report to the nearest police station anybody seen with bullet wounds.
“Also hospitals are advised to ensure that they report anybody who come to them for treatment of bullet wounds.” Abattam said.