By TITUS ELEWEKE

A traffic official in Anambra has been shot dead by gunmen. The incident happened on Tuesday at Ekwulobia in Aguata Local Government Area of the state.

It was learnt that the assailants invaded the town in two different vehicles.

Daily Trust gathered that the deceased, an official of the Anambra Traffic Management Agency (ATMA), was controlling traffic at the ever-busy junction when he was shot from behind.

A source said, “A few minutes ago, gunshots were heard at Ekwulobia roundabout and it appears to have cost the life of a traffic warden. The gunmen were said to be travelling in two vehicles. Similar gunshots were heard at Oko.”

Confirming the incident, the police spokesperson for the State Command, Ikenga Tochukwu, said the gunmen shot sporadically in the area in an attempt to disarm a mobile police officer on patrol.

However, the officer quickly returned the fire which made the gunmen flee the scene.

He said, “The Anambra State Police Command today 08/02/2022 has embarked on a robust patrol around the state with the aim to apprehend suspected hoodlums sighted along Ekwulobia, Umunze road this morning.

“The patrol has a comprehensive operational asset of the command which comprises of mobile police operatives, counter-terrorism unit, special forces, conventional police officers and among others

“Preliminary information reveals that along Umunze road, the hoodlums in an attempt to disarm a mobile police officer on patrol started shooting sporadically. The mobile police officer returned the fire immediately, engaged the hoodlums which made the gunmen flee the scene. Meanwhile, calm has returned in the area and further details shall be communicated please.” (Daily Trust)

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