Photos: Gunmen disguised as masquerades shoot dead a policeman, civilian near Assemblies of God Church, Onitsha

Some gunmen suspected to be armed robbers on Sunday morning, 13th August, shot dead a policeman near Assemblies of God Church, Oguta Road Onitsha, Anambra state.

The gunmen, disguised in form of masquerade, also killed a passenger on commercial motorcycle popularly known as Okada and injured the rider.

It was gathered that the gunmen had stopped near the Church and on sighting some policemen attached to the church, they opened fire on them. One officer was killed instantly.

“When the firing became too hot, the policemen abandoned their patrol vehicle and ran away for safety," an eyewitness said.

The so called attackers made away with the rifle of the slain policeman.

“The gunmen moved to their patrol van and took a gun belonging to the policeman they had killed,” he said.

Another eyewitness said, “Gunmen on Okada (motorcycle) shot a policeman and collected his rifle. They also shot dead an Okada man while escaping and the passenger he was carrying was injured".

However Odinaka Nwolisa, Anambra Broadcasting Service corespondent, gathered from some eye witnesses that the police officer was standing opposite the church, when two men in Okada ran onto him, shot him and made away with his gun.

The gunmen allegedly escaped through Tasia street by Christ the King College, CKC axis.

Garba Umar, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police,  who confirmed the incident said the attack was a robbery.

The Anambra Police Command held a press conference at the Command headquarters to clarify exactly what happened and debunk the rumour that the Assemblies of God church was attacked.

Below is the official press release signed by spokesperson for the. Command,  Nkiru Nwode.

"Gentlemen of the press, I welcome you all to this press conference today, 13th August, 2017.           

I have the authority of CP Garba Baba Umar psc, the commissioner of police, to intimate you on the incident that happened this afternoon at Oguta road  Onitsha.

At about 10.30 hrs of today, men on disguise as masquerades attacked policemen on foot patrol, and opened fire on them. The team of policemen, responded swiftly and arrested one while others on the run are being trailed and would soon be apprehended. 

Unfortunately,one of the police men was  critically injured and has since been taken to the hosptial for proper medical care .

CP Garba warns perpetrators and would be perpetrators to desist from acts of crime as the command will not hesitate to deal with anyone found committing any crime in Anambra state , in accordance with the provisions of the law.

He also advised parents to restrain their children and wards from engaging in acts capable of ruining their future.

The Commissioner while imploring Ndi Anambra to assist the police in its responsibilities of safeguarding the state by reporting suspicious movements in their localities promptly, promised that the command will not relent in its drive till all criminals relocate from the state."