To fewer than six persons were feared killed in Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s Isuofia community, as gunmen engaged security operatives in a gun battle.
Those who were said to have lost their lives in the community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State were two soldiers and four gunmen.
The incident, The Nation was told, took place on Saturday morning in Soludo’s Isuofia community.
The Nation gathered that the two soldiers were killed first by the gunmen, before the security operatives went back to mobilise.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, Ikenga Tochukwu, when contacted, confirmed the report.
He said, “the situation is under control, meanwhile four of the criminal elements were neutralised and police/military patrols have been intensified in the area.
“The joint task force also recovered some of their operational vehicles which include a Venza jeep and others.
“Further details shall be communicated please as operation is still ongoing,” the PPRO said.’
But one of the senior Police Officers in the State, who did not want to be quoted, said some other people were equally injured during the shootings.
The source said a combined team of the Police and Army had relocated to the governor’s community as a result.
According to the source, “these members of the proscribed group think they can intimidate the security in Anambra State by attacking them each day.
“They’re making their worst mistake. The state police command has a duty to protect lives and property and such attacks will not deter them from moving on,” the source said.
However, an eye witness told The Nation that the hoodlums were operating on a Venza SUV, which he said was recovered by the soldiers.
He said, ” those criminals had various charms on them, yet the soldiers decimated them. Every power belongs to God. Their charms will continue to fail them, ” the middle aged man said
He said two of the gallant soldiers eventually lost their lives, adding that others joined them in the gun duel and gunned down five of the hoodlums.