The serenity of Enugu was shattered Wednesday night as unknown gunmen who stormed the New Haven area of the state killed three police officials on patrol.

Sources said the incident occurred at about 10:40 pm near the block bus stop in the area.

The Guardian gathered that the gunmen were in a Sienna bus and opened fire on the police patrol van moments after overtaking them.

There were however conflicting figures over the number of casualties last night.

While some said two policemen on stop and search duty lost their lives, another said three of the officers were gunned down.

But a video that circulated shortly with a security alert had read: “It happened at block bus stop in front of frank supermarket.

“Three policemen down already. Guys for our information, incase we still dey outside avoid new Haven. Two battered police men are still lying lifeless here.”

Enugu Police Command on Thursday morning confirmed the attack.

Police spokesman Daniel Ndukwe said that the gunmen operated in a Lexus jeep and attacked a moving police patrol van.

“Intensive manhunt operation is ongoing to fish out the unknown assailants who, operating in a Lexus Jeep, suddenly opened fire on a moving Police patrol van on duty, along Chime Avenue, New Haven, Enugu, on 07/09/2022 at about 10.15pm,” Ndukwe said.

The attack, he said, led “to three (3) of the Operatives sustaining severe gunshots wounds and later confirmed dead at the hospital.”

Ndukwe added that “Further development will be communicated, please.” (THE GUARDIAN)