The incident took place at the popular Ebyia Bridge Checkpoint along Hill-Top Road, Abakaliki, around 5 am on Friday.
Also killed were two ladies who were caught in the gunfight.
PUNCH Metro reports that gunmen had reportedly attacked and killed many security operatives in the state recently.
A resident, who pleaded anonymity, told our correspondent that the assailants were allegedly returning from an operation when they opened fire on the officers.
The source said, “My dear our area has become a hit zone for hoodlums. Just this morning, we heard another incident in which some policemen were killed by suspected armed robbers at Hill-Top Road near the gas station.
“And you know that a similar incident happened at the same spot last year where some police officers were also killed by an armed gang.
“Some of the slain officers in last year’s attack are yet to be buried; and now another six policemen have lost their lives in the same manner, including two girls just this morning.
“Those two ladies were said to be girlfriends of the slain officers; while some claimed that they were prostitutes who were returning home this morning.”
The Ebonyi State Police Command confirmed the incident, but however, acknowledged that four, instead of five of its operatives were killed.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ukandu Joshua, said this in a statement on Friday.
“Today 08/03/2024 at about 05:00 am, operatives of the Command who were posted to duty at Hill-Top stop and search/pin-down point along Nwofe Road, at the outskirts of Abakaliki, were attacked by armed hoodlums, who shot sporadically at the operatives.
“The operatives engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel, and in the ensuing gun battle, the hoodlums scampered and abandoned a pump action rifle which was recovered. However, four (4) of the operatives paid the supreme price, while two (2) civilians were caught in the crossfire and killed,” the statement read.
