A policeman was killed and beheaded by gunmen who attacked a police team on a stop-and-search operation in Abia State on Thursday. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. along Umuode/Isiahia Road in the Osisioma Ngwa local government area, according to sources.
The sources said the attack caused panic among the residents of the Umuode community, who feared a possible police invasion. The gunmen reportedly escaped with the head of the slain policeman, leaving his body in the police car.
The police team was said to be attached to the Eziama Police Division, which raised questions about the legality of their operation in the area, as it was not under their jurisdiction. The police authorities have not yet commented on the incident.
This is not the first time that gunmen have beheaded a policeman in Abia State. In August, an Assistant Superintendent of Police was killed and decapitated along East Street in Aba South local government area by unknown assailants.