Two policemen killed in Rivers robbery

Suspected armed  robbers on Wednesday killed two riot policemen in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

The incident, which occurred near the Mile One Market, Diobu at about 7.30am, created panic among residents.

The hoodlums numbering about four were said to have  opened fire on the policemen,  who were not aware that they (robbers) were within a close range.

It was learnt that the policemen died instantly before they could be rushed to  hospital.

An eyewitness said the deceased were on a motorcycle when they were shot by the robbers.

While the deafening sound of the gunshots made passersby to scamper to safety, policemen from the Mile One Police Station responded.

However, the hoodlums had escaped.

An eyewitness said, “It happened within seconds and before you know it, robbers had disappeared into thin air.

“Some policemen later came with a patrol vehicle and took away the corpses of the two policemen. It was a bad situation.”

Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. Ben Ugwuegbulam, who confirmed the incident, said the policemen were on  patrol when  they were shot by the hoodlums.

Ugwuegbulam, who spoke to our correspondent on the telephone, said investigation had begun into the matter.

He said, “We have commenced investigation and we intend to arrest the suspects very soon. We are already trailing them and will apprehend them and bring them to justice.”

He added that the police would not be deterred from carrying out their  duty of protecting lives and property of law-abiding citizens in the state.