By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Unknown gunmen on Friday attacked a court duty vehicle of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Anambra State, at Nanka while conveying inmates back from court to the Aguata Prison.

The attackers were said to have arrived the scene in one Sienna bus and a Hilux pick-up that allegedly trailed the court duty vehicle from the court premises.

Information gathered by News Express has it that the gunmen killed the Correctional Service officer and whisked away the inmate being taken back to the Custodial Centre.

The state Command Public Relations Officer of Nigerian Correctional Service, DSC Ekezie Francis, said: “Although the armed escort put up a gallant resistance, he was unfortunately overpowered by the hoodlums who came in their numbers with sophisticated weapons.

“Meanwhile, the body of the fallen officer has been deposited in the mortuary awaiting further necessary action.”

The state Controller, Nwakeze Emmanuel, while expressing his deep shock over the incident, has advised the public and indeed officers and men of the Command to remain calm as investigations have commenced with the collaboration of other security agencies.

He appealed to members of the public to avail security agencies with useful intelligence that will lead to the arrest of those behind the dastardly act.

The incident happened barely 24 hours after some naval officers and policemen were killed in two different attacks in the state and few days after the governor of the state, Chief Willie Obiano, boasted during his seven-year anniversary that he has improved the security architecture of the state.

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