Officer killed as gunmen set Imo police station on fire

Gunmen on Thursday burnt down Orlu police station, killing one police inspector.

Three of the gunmen were also killed in an ensuing gunfire between them and the police.

Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Mike Abattam, said the incident happened at about 9.35 pm.

He said the bandits threw explosives and petrol bombs on top of the roof of Orlu Police station, damaging the roof and causing a fire in the station.

He said that the fire affected some of the vehicles at the parking lot.

However, Abattam said that the command’s tactical teams on ground engaged the bandits in a gun duel and due to the superior fire power of the police the bandits were subdued.

The statement said, “Three of the bandits were neutralized and their guns, one pump action gun and two locally made double barrel pistols were recovered while others escaped into the bush with bullet wounds.

“Unfortunately, a police inspector lost his life in the attack.”

Editor’s note: This picture was used for illustration