Gunmen on Thursday attacked a police checkpoint at Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, killing three police operatives.

A source in the area said the gunmen shot indiscriminately for over an hour, causing pandemonium in the area as residents of the area ran for their lives.

“They operated in an unmarked dark Sports Utility Vehicle and killed the cops at the Joint security checkpoint at Ihite road.

“It was like war. For over one hour, the hoodlums were shooting indiscriminately. I saw three policemen lying dead on the ground during the attack, while others took cover and shot back from a distance. I suspect that some of the policemen also sustained gunshot injuries in the attack.”

Spokesperson for Anambra State Police command, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the incident.

He said: “It is an unfortunate incident and is part of the highest price security officers pay in serving the nation but the police command is not deterred by this development.

“The reinforcements teams are already in the area and the manhunt for the assailants is ongoing while joint security patrols have been intensified in the area.”