Hoodlums on Thursday killed a police officer during an attack on a police patrol team in Anambra, adding to the disturbing list of attacks on security officers in the South.

The attack which occurred at about 4:30 p.m. at Okacha junction in Neni, Anaocha Local Government Area of the state also left another officer injured. 

Confirming the incident, Ikenga Tochukwu, the police spokesperson in Anambra said:

“The hoodlums numbering over twenty with three Sienna buses and motorcycles engaged the police in a gun-duel which lasted for over 30 mins before reinforcements from the state headquarters, forcing the hoodlums to escape.

“As a result, two police operatives sustained gunshot injuries and (were) rushed to the hospital for medical attention where one was confirmed dead by a medical doctor,” the statement said.

Mr Tochukwu said the Anambra commissioner of police visited the scene of the attack and investigations are ongoing and the perpetrators would soon be brought to book. 

From January till date, at least 19 police officers have been targeted and killed by hoodlums in the Southern part of the country. 

During the same timeline, 6 police stations have been attacked and police patrol teams have been ambushed by criminals 7 times, according to Eons Intelligence reports.

READ ALSO: GUNMEN KILL SIX POLICE OFFICERS IN CROSS RIVER, CART AWAY WEAPONS

Several sources say the hoodlums cart away rifles after these attacks foiling fears that miscreants are stocking weapons under the guise of hoodlum attacks. 

ADVISORY: Eyewitnesses during an attack on two police checkpoints within Obubra local government area told reporters that assailants were chanting IPOB songs during the attack. It is pertinent that relevant authorities investigate the IPOB connection to the recent attacks on police officers while a cordial communal relationship between security operatives and the people are encouraged 

TIMELINE OF ATTACKS ON POLICEMEN BETWEEN JANUARY- MARCH 19

March 3:  6 police officers killed by gunmen at two checkpoints within Obubra local government area in Cross River state.

February 25: Hoodlums raze police station in Aboh Mbaise local government area of Imo State.

February 23: 2 policemen killed in AbayI police station, Aba in Osisioma Ngwa local government area, Abia State. 

February 25: Gunmen attack police station at Akai Effa roundabout in Cross River State.

February 24: Two police stations razed, four police officers killed in Mkpologwu, Omogho in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

February 22 One police officer killed in a police checkpoint attack at Ikpe Annang junction, Essien Udim local government area Akwa Ibom.

February 18: One police killed along Airport road, Warri South local government area of Delta State. 

February 4: Hoodlums attack a police station in Ebonyi. 

January 17: One policeman killed during an attack on a police patrol at Captain Amangala Borokiri town Port Harcourt, Rivers state. 

January 10: Three policemen killed in Ughelli Delta.

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