Gunmen have attacked a police patrol team along the Nimo-Neni link road in Anaocha local government area of Anambra, leaving three officers dead.

The attack took place on Thursday.

A source alleged that the gunmen killed three policemen, stole their rifles and set ablaze the police patrol vehicle.

But the police said only one officer was confirmed dead at an undisclosed hospital.

A spokesman for the police, Toochukwu Ikenga, said no fewer than 20 gunmen in three Toyota Siena buses and motorcycles engaged the policemen in a gun duel.

According to him, the gun battle lasted about 30 minutes before the assailants fled the scene after the policemen called for reinforcement.

“There was an attack on a police patrol team at Okacha junction, Neni in Anaocha by yet to be identified gunmen on March 18 at about 4:30 pm.

“The hoodlums, numbering over 20, engaged the policemen in a gun-duel for over 30 minutes before reinforcement from the state headquarters arrived, forcing the hoodlums to escape.

“As a result, two police operatives sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to the hospital for medical attention where one was confirmed dead by a medical doctor,” he stated.

Mr Ikenga said an investigation was ongoing to unmask those behind the attack and bring them to book.

(NAN)