Policeman, civilian killed in Rivers

Suspected gunmen yesterday killed a Police Sergeant, Sunday Adoga, in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.The police command confirmed the death.

Police spokesman Ahmad Mohammad, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said the hoodlums ambushed the policeman and opened fire on his patrol van, killing him on the spot.

An eyewitness said a civilian also died in the attack.

But the police could not confirm the death of the civilian last night.

The incident happened between Garrison and Waterlines junction between 9 and 10 am.

The police pledged to apprehend the killers and bring them to justice.

The statement said: “We are deeply saddened by the senseless killing of Sgt. Sunday Adoga, who was ambushed in a police patrol van today (yesterday) on Garrison, Waterlines junction.

“Sadly, today’s event once again demonstrated the profound danger our men face and witness daily. Police officers put their lives on the line everyday to confront crimes and violence in our communities and the society.

“As for the criminals, they can run but it’s just a matter of time; we will catch up with them and bring them to justice.”

The incident forced commuters and motorists to scamper for safety as the gunmen shot sporadically.

Motorists were said to have abandoned their vehicles and ran for their lives.

Several passengers near the scene jumped through bus windows; some of them were injured.

The residents were said to have panicked because they thought the gunmen had invaded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office, near the Waterline junction, where the police officer was reportedly killed.

A passenger said: “We boarded the Coaster vehicle at the park; we were going to Eleme Junction. When we got close to Garrison Junction, we began to hear gunshots. Before we got there (Garrison), we noticed that vehicles ahead of us had parked; none was coming from Waterline area. We also parked. After a while, the sounds subsided and movements continued.