Unidentified gunmen have killed a policewoman and two other yet-to-be identified residents at Orji area of Owerri, the Imo State capital.

The gunmen numbering about seven invaded the area on Thursday, June 3, at about 05:30pm, moving around shooting sporadically.

It was gathered that they started their operation from Orji axis, headed to Spibat area and visited other areas from where three persons were killed, including the female police officer and two men.

According to an eye witness, the gunmen who wore black emerged from Amakohia axis on two vehicles, a bus and Hilux, walking the road with utmost confidence.

SunNews said that the slain policewoman was abducted the day the gunmen attacked Orji police station.

They were said to have returned with the officer during their operation on Thursday after their demand to exchange the officer with their members held did not work out.

Irked by non compliance to release their member, they were said to have shot the female officer on the road.

“They came with the female police officer. I learnt that they kidnapped her the day they attacked Orji Divisional Police Headquarters. They dropped a message that they will only free her if their member in police custody was ready. Having waited without their demand being met, the hoodlums, came with the officer, brought her out and shot her dead.” the source claimed.

Reacting to the incident, spoesperson of the State Police Command, Bala Elkana, said:

“Normalcy has returned to Orji area by combined teams of the Police and other supporting security agencies. Three persons were killed by the hoodlums who blocked Orji flyover and started shooting sporadically. The cause of the shooting is still not clear at the moment. The investigation has, however, commenced.”