The police on Saturday said five people were killed in a clash between soldiers and some suspected gunmen in Isuofia community in the Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Our correspondent gathered that the gunmen attacked the military checkpoint located at the Afor-Uzo Junction in Isuofia on Saturday.

Eyewitness account, however, noted that two soldiers and four of the gunmen were killed during the bloody encounter.

Isuofia is the hometown of the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.

It was further gathered that the hoodlums gained access into the community through an entrance in Umuona community.

An eyewitness said that the gunmen first attacked the soldiers and killed two of them before other soldiers retaliated.

Confirming the incident, the state police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the gunmen were repelled through joint security forces of military, police and other security agents.

Ikenga added that one Toyota Venza was recovered as the joint task force intensified patrol within the Isuofia community.

He said, “Anambra State security forces comprising the military, police, other security agencies neutralised five unknown gunmen in Umuona, Isuofia, Aguata LGA and recovered one grey Toyota Venza with registration number KRD 344 BT.

“This followed a distress call at about 10:30am today 12/11/2022 along Afor market in Isuofia, where some hoodlums attacked a security checkpoint in the area.

“The joint forces responded swiftly, engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel and neutralised five of the armed men while others escaped with dark blue Lexus 470 without number plate from the scene with bullet wounds.’’

The police spokesperson stated that the Commissioner of Police, Echeng Echeng, while charging the operatives to sustain the tempo against the onslaught on criminals, ordered intensified patrols and improved operational positioning to respond to distress calls in the state.

He stated, “Further details shall be communicated please as the operation is still ongoing.”

 Also, the state Commissioner for Information, Paul Nwosu, said a gang of gunmen struck the Nigerian Army checkpoint at Afor-Uzo Junction, Isuofia, adding that they were neutralised by security agents.

Nwosu said the security agents gave the gunmen a hot chase by killing four of the gang members in a fierce exchange of shootings in the bloody event.

He said, “The government of Anambra State wishes to reassure the people of their safety, especially during this yuletide.’’