FOUR persons, including a policeman, were injured on Monday when armed robbers engaged security operatives in a fierce gun battle in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
The hoodlums, who were said to be planning to rob one of the banks on the ever- busy Ikwerre road, were stopped by a team of policemen who apparently got wind of their (armed robbers) presence within the area.
It was learnt that the robbers, who were armed with AK-47 rifles came in three vehicles at about 12.30pm and shot sporadically in order to repel the advancing policemen.
According to punchng, An eyewitness said the superior fire power of the policemen had forced the robbers to make a U-turn and escape through another road.
A trader on Ikwerre road told our correspondent that the armed robbers came in one Sienna bus, a Lexus Sport Utility Vehicle and another unidentified vehicle.
Motorists and passersby were said to have disappeared from the usually crowded Emenike Junction as the deafening sound of gunshots caused them to scamper for safety.
One of those hit by a stray bullet on the thigh was an occupant of a commercial bus. The bullet, according to sources, came from the gun of the bandits.
“All the drivers, passengers and traders along the road ran away when they heard the non-stop sound of gunshots. We were all afraid because we initially thought that we would not escape from the flying bullets.
“We thank God that no innocent person died during the shootout. I heard that one policeman and three other persons were injured. The armed robbers managed to escape, though the police tried their best.
“The armed robbers opened the doors of their Sienna bus and were shooting from there. Another gang of armed robbers was in a Toyota jeep while the others were in a vehicle at the back.”
