An early morning rampage by gunmen on Friday led to the death of five policemen at a checkpoint at Okpala junction in the Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State.
According to reports, the gunmen also killed a couple identified as Mr and Mrs Chinaka Nwagu from Amankwo Okpala community.
The incident, which threw the entire area into chaos, occurred around 8.00am, as residents and passersby ran for cover.
Many scampered for safety on hearing gunshots, bringing commercial activities to an abrupt halt.
It was gathered that three of the police were shot dead at the scene while the other two, who ran to a nearby shop were gunned down.
Their attackers also killed a couple who owned the shop they ran into.
The eyewitness claimed after killing the policemen, the gunmen carted away their five riffles.
A source stated that the police officers drove to the junction to commence stop-and-search when the gunmen stormed the area and attacked them.
Imo police spokesperson Henry Okoye said he was yet to get official report on the incident.