Gunmen kill policeman, assassinate motorist in Rivers

– Police foil gunmen’s attempt to rob bullion van, carrying a huge some of money

– One policeman is killed in the gun duel

– Gunmen escapes through the Olu-Obasanjo road after the policemen shot several times at them

Unknown gunmen on Thursday, March 25, killed a police sergeant at the Waterlines area of Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital, The Punch reports.

According to an eye witness, the police man was shot dead by a gang of armed robbers who had trailed a bullion van, carrying a huge sum of money from an undisclosed area to Waterlines.

The source explained that the police man was standing in front of one of the new generation banks with his gun, but was not part of the escort team of the bullion van.

It was gathered that the gunmen, on sighting the security men, who mounted guard in front of the bank, opened fire, killing the policeman in the process, before escaping.

READ ALSO: Rivers state as the new Wild Wild West

However, the shooting attracted the attention of the heavily-armed security personnel deployed in the Independent National Electoral Commission’s office in Port Harcourt.

File photo.

They swiftly intervened and foiled the attempt by the criminals to rob the bullion van.

But the gunmen escaped through the Olu-Obasanjo road after the policemen shot several times at them.

The attack was said to have caused gridlock from Rumuola Junction through Waterlines to Garrison Junction.

Speaking after the incident, Ahmad Muhammad, the Rivers state police public relations officer, gave the name of the slain officer as Sergeant Sunday Adoga.

He said: “We are deeply saddened by the senseless killing of Sgt. Sunday Adoga and the other innocent citizen, who were ambushed at different locations by marauding gangs.

“Sadly, today’s incident once again demonstrates the profound dangers our men and others face and witness. Police officers put their lives on the line every day to confront crime and violence in our communities.

“As for the criminals, they can run, but it is just a matter of time; we will catch up with them and bring them to justice.”

READ ALSO: Rivers re-run: Civil Society Organisations blasts PDP, APC

Muhammad also revealed that another person was equally killed in another part of the city by the hoodlums.

According to a Twitter user (@MissTekenah), a man was assassinated inside his car and directly opposite Oando filing station at Rumuomasi , Port Harcourt. However, the identity of the man has not to be ascertained.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has reacted to the violence which marred the last Saturday’s rerun election in Rivers state.

Speaking for the first time about the violence which claimed at least seven lives, including a corps member, Samuel Okonta, the president described the incident as “barbaric and unacceptable.”

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