Two Policemen Killed, Another Injured in Rivers State Attack

Two police officers were killed and a third sustained severe gunshot wounds after being ambushed by unidentified gunmen in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State on Monday night.

The officers, who were attached to the Aluu Police Division in the neighboring Ikwerre Local Government Area, were conducting a routine stop-and-search operation at a checkpoint along the Mbodo/Aluu axis of Obiri-Kwerre Road when the attack occurred at approximately 9:00 p.m.

According to reports, the assailants opened fire on the patrol team before fleeing the scene in their vehicle. A video circulating on social media in the aftermath of the attack showed the bodies of the deceased officers at the scene, with eyewitnesses claiming the gunmen had been robbing commuters in the area shortly before targeting the police unit.

The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the incident on Tuesday. Police spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, stated that the injured officer is currently receiving medical treatment.

“Two of our men died, and the other one was injured and is receiving treatment in the hospital,” Agabe confirmed. “The Commissioner of Police, alongside members of the command’s management team, visited the scene of the incident this morning for an on-the-spot assessment, and an investigation is currently underway.”

The attack comes just 24 hours after the state command announced the arrest of a high-profile criminal suspect, Austine Emenike, along with the recovery of several firearms. Authorities have not yet confirmed if the two incidents are linked as they continue their investigation into the security breach.