Gunmen have attacked the convoy of the Abia State Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Investment, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, and killed two police officers.

It was gathered that the policemen were killed during the attack which occurred in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, on Tuesday evening.

A source, who pleaded anonymity, disclosed that some other persons sustained bullet wounds in the attack which forced people to hide inside their shops and houses until late hours of Tuesday night.

She stated that the police returned on Wednesday morning to arrest some persons while shooting into the air.

Confirming the incident, the Abia State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka, said an Inspector and a Constable were killed by the gunmen.

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Chinaka said the incident occurred at about 4 p.m. on Tuesday, saying the gunmen launched an attack on the convoy of the commissioner during his familiarisation tour to markets in Aba.

The police spokesperson said: “The convoy was en route to Ekeoha Shopping Plaza when the armed assailants opened fire. Regrettably, amidst the chaos, two police personnel lost their lives in the line of duty.

“A police Constable who was part of the security convoy was fatally shot.

“Additionally, a police Inspector who was not initially part of the convoy but was on a separate assignment with a police Hilux tragically lost his life.

“Furthermore, the hoodlums set ablaze a vehicle belonging to the Ministry for Trade, Commerce, and Investment.”

Chinaka added that the Abia State Commissioner of Police, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, had assured the people of the state that every effort will be exerted with discreet investigations to ensure that justice is served.

He, however, urged the people of Abia State to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies.

The Star