Nigerian Security operatives on Thursday successfully resisted and repelled an attack on Orlu Divisional Police Headquarters by gunmen, Njenje Media News reports.
According to reports, over eight hoodlums were killed in the ensuing melee with seven vehicles recovered from the attackers.
Sources say the duel between the gunmen and security operatives in Orlu lasted several hours as the military sent reinforcement from the 34 artillery brigade, Obinze, in Owerri to the area.
Njenje Media News recalls that for the last few months, gunmen had carried out attacks on about ten police stations, which included the burning of the Police Command Headquarters while over 1800 prisoners were freed in the Owerri Correctional Center.
The gun duel created an atmosphere of panic as people scampered for safety, as the roads in Orlu town and its environs were deserted.
A resident of the area, who preferred not to be mentioned, told THE NATION correspondent that “we slept with our hearts in our hands last night.’
He also disclosed that an Amoured Personnel Carrier was allegedly set ablaze at Umuna junction in Orlu town.
He also disclosed one of his cousins was hit by a stray bullet.
Police spokesperson, Orlando Ikeokwu, could not be reached but a senior police officer confirmed the development to The Nation.
The Police Chief told The Nation correspondent the corpses of the hoodlums and their vehicles had been brought to the Police Command headquarters in Owerri.
He disclosed the police Divisional headquarters was not razed neither was any security personnel killed in the attack.
