Gunmen attack Police checkpoint in Ebonyi, one dead

Gunmen launched a brazen attack on a police checkpoint situated along the Abakaliki-Enugu Highway, causing havoc and uncertainty in the region.

The attack on the checkpoint situated at Ishieke junction near Abakaliki town, unleashed chaos in the town, with a police patrol van reportedly destroyed.

Initial reports indicate that the attack resulted in tragic consequences, with sources saying one police officer lost his life during the violent encounter. Additionally, another officer was reportedly abducted by the gunmen, heightening concerns over the safety and security of law enforcement personnel in the area.

The exact number of casualties and the circumstances surrounding the abduction remain uncertain, as authorities are yet to give an actual figure of casualties.

The police spokesperson in Ebonyi, Joshua Ukandu acknowledged the incident but emphasised the ongoing efforts to gather accurate information, underscoring the complexity of the situation.

This latest assault on the police checkpoint is a disturbing pattern of violence in the region, following a similar attack just three weeks prior, which claimed the lives of four police officers and two civilians.

The recurrence of such brazen acts underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address security challenges and safeguard communities along the Abakaliki-Enugu Highway.

As investigations into the attack continue, residents and authorities alike remain on high alert, grappling with the unsettling reality of insecurity plaguing their surroundings. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the persistent threats faced by law enforcement personnel and civilians in volatile regions, underscoring the imperative for concerted efforts to restore peace and stability.