Gunmen stormed the Divisional Police Headquarters in the Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State on Thursday night.
Four people were killed in the attack, including a police officer and three of the attackers.
Cars parked on the premises were not spared while parts of the police division were burned.
According to information received, the attackers and on-duty cops engaged in a lengthy gunfight.
The incident occurred around 11.35 p.m. on Thursday, according to Mike Abattam, a police spokesperson for the state police command, who confirmed the news to our correspondent.
Some of the surviving bandits escaped with bullet wounds, he said.
Abattam said, “On August 5, about 21:35 hours, armed bandits, in their numbers attacked and threw explosives and petrol bombs on top of the roof of Orsu Police station damaging the roof and causing fire outbreak in the station which spread and affected some of the vehicles parked at the parking lot. The command’s tactical teams on the ground engaged the bandits in a gun duel.
“And due to the superior firepower of the police the bandits were subdued. 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.
“Meanwhile the command is using this medium to call on the good people of Imo State especially, the Orsu community to assist the police with credible information that will lead to the arrest of the escaped bandits and to report to the nearest police station any person seen with or treating bullet wounds. Also, hospitals are advised to ensure that they report any person who comes to them for treatment of bullet wounds.”
