Gunmen have killed two police operatives in Imo state, Nigeria’s South-east.
The incident occurred Sunday along Okigwe Axis in Okigwe local government area of the state.
Sources said the slain operatives were attached to the Majority Leader of the Ebonyi state House of Assembly, Kingsley Ikoro.
A police operative said Tuesday that Mr Ikoro, who represents Afikpo North-West in Ebonyi state Assembly, was travelling with the officers when one of their vehicles developed a mechanical fault.
The two operatives stayed back along the road to look for a mechanic while the lawmaker continued his journey in other vehicles.
“While they were there, some hoodlums ambushed them and opened fire on them. They died immediately,” the operatives, who asked not to be named, said.
When contacted, the police spokesperson in Imo state, Henry Okoye, confirmed the attack and killing of the operatives.
Mr Okoye, a deputy superintendent of police, said the Commissioner of Police in Imo state, Aboki Danjuma, has launched a manhunt for the killers.
“The commissioner has ordered deployment of tactical and operational resources to make sure the hoodlums were apprehended and brought to book,” he said.
The spokesperson said police operatives were combing the bushes around the area to track down the attackers. (Premium Times)