Gunmen have claimed the lives of three police officers in Ebonyi State, in a disturbing incident that follows closely on the heels of another attack in which a police inspector was shot dead by criminals at the Union Bank Roundabout in the Abakaliki metropolis. Two additional officers were wounded in that incident.According to reliable sources, the tragedy unfolded on Wednesday morning at approximately 8:30 am when the armed assailants ambushed the policemen who were engaged in a routine stop-and-search operation in the Oshiri community of the Onicha Local Government Area. The law enforcement officers were tragically overpowered by the attackers.In response to the heinous act, authorities promptly dispatched a team of police personnel to the scene, resulting in the elimination of two suspected hoodlums. The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, confirmed the distressing events that transpired on Wednesday.”On the unfortunate morning of May 24, 2023, at approximately 8:30 am, officers from our command who were conducting a stop-and-search operation at the Oshiri Division came under attack by armed hoodlums,” said SP Onovwakpoyeya.”Regrettably, three courageous policemen lost their lives during the assault, while another officer sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment at a nearby hospital.”In response to the incident, tactical units were immediately deployed to the area with the objective of pursuing the assailants and bringing them to justice. Consequently, two of the criminals were neutralized during the operation, while the remaining individuals managed to evade capture, albeit not without sustaining bullet wounds.Authorities have reported the recovery of several items from the scene, including a Lexus car ES350 Model, a fabricated AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine loaded with seven rounds of ammunition, an SMG rifle, an SMG magazine containing eight rounds of ammunition, a quantity of illegal substances known as “SK,” as well as various charms, juju drums, and a charka musical instrument associated with a shrine.The loss of three dedicated officers in the line of duty underscores the pressing need to address the escalating security challenges facing Ebonyi State. The authorities are urged to take swift and decisive action to ensure the safety and well-being of both law enforcement personnel and the general populace, who have been left in a state of shock and vulnerability in the wake of these brazen attacks.