Eight feared dead in Anambra clash

Five security men among the slain

No fewer than eight persons were reported killed yesterday as gunmen and security operatives clashed in Anambra State.

The incident, The Nation learned, happened at Orsumoghu, Lilu and Azia area in Ihiala council of the state.

A prominent man from Nnewi was reported killed in the state on Sunday.

It was gathered that four policemen and one military man were killed while three of the gunmen also died.

Many others, according to sources were injured during the gun battle.

Police spokesman Ikenga Tochukwu did not respond to  messages sent to him for confirmation.

However, a senior police officer, who did not want to be quoted, confirmed the incident to The Nation, but failed to give casualty figures

The source said, “Yes, there were shootings between the hoodlums and security operatives at Orsumoghu which lasted for hours.

“Some people lost their lives while others got injured, but those hoodlums who are alive will live to regret their action in time to come

“ the source said.

Meanwhile, another police officer said the police commissioner, Echeng Echeng, had ordered immediate deployment of special forces in the area.

The source said, “Yes, there were shootings between the hoodlums and security operatives at Orsumoghu which lasted for hours.

“Some people lost their lives while others got injured, but those hoodlums who are alive

will live to regret their action in time to come

“ the source said.

Meanwhile, another police officer said the police commissioner, Echeng Echeng, had ordered immediate deployment of special forces in the area.