No fewer than four policemen were reportedly killed on Monday as armed gunmen attacked a police area command in Nnewi, Anambra State as some parts of the region observe the Indigenous People of Biafra’s sit-at-home directives.

The PUNCH reports that the attack comes hours after a joint security patrol team allegedly killed two persons suspected to be members of the Eastern Security Network of IPOB who were said to be enforcing the group’s Sit-at-home directives in the area.

A police officer, who pleaded not to be named said, “Many policemen were wounded in the attack and were rushed to the hospital. I think four of our men lost their lives in the attack.

“What I’m telling you is an unofficial report. The PPRO will brief soonest. It was terrible. These guys( hoodlums) came in seven vehicles.

“There was speculation that the hoodlums came for a reprisal following the early morning killing of two persons by unidentified soldiers in Nnewi. I didn’t know about that incident until we were attacked at the area command this (Monday) afternoon.

Another source confirmed that the gunmen came in seven vehicles and overpowered the police personnel on duty, carted away arms and ammunition.

The source said the attackers had left before reinforcement came from other security agencies.

The source added, “It was like in a war. The shootings were deafening causing pandemonium amongst the residents of the commercial community.

“The gunmen overpowered the police and carted away their arms. By the time a reinforcement from the Navy arrived, the attackers had left; though they were pursued to no avail.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Ikenga Tochukwu, confirmed the incident to our correspondent in a text message.

He said, “I can confirm to you that police successfully repelled an attack in Nnewi Area Command.

“Police operatives are currently there and the situation is under control and further information will be communicated please.”