Police operatives were today engaged in a gun battle with suspected hoodlums in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
The criminals reportedly set a police facility in Orji, ablaze before the police engaged them in a shootout.
The attack according to witnesses, started around 12:15 p.m. today Tuesday, the 25th of May, 2021.
Videos showed the hoodlums dressed in red and black clothes, walking causally on the road, without resistance.
A voice speaking at the background of one of the videos, stated that the gunmen were holding their ground, while he claimed the the police had retreated.
The police spokesman, Bala Elkana however stated that the police resisted the attack on the facility.
According to him, the hoodlums escaped into the neighbouring townships area before reinforcement could arrive at the facility.
He stated that the hoodlums left behind their operational vehicles when they fled.
He claimed that no life was lost, while three vehicles were recovered.
The police also made several arrests, while contrary to Bala’s claims, an undisclosed number of causalities, including an elderly woman selling pap, who was hit by stray bullet, have been reported by eye witnesses.
Video below shows the eye witness videos of the attack. We’ll bring you more information as we get it:
