Four policemen have been shot and killed by unknown gunmen at a checkpoint in Calabar, Cross River State capital.

The incident reportedly happened today, Thursday.

The gunmen were said to have pounced on the policemen at Ayanmbat community near Idundu in the Aka Efa area of the Cross River capital.

The policemen whose identities have not been disclosed were said to have been killed while resting on some benches at the location.

Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Irene Ugbo said that the Command has been thrown into grief and is very bitter about the ugly incident.

 “It is quite unfortunate and we feel really sad and in mourning mood about the death of the four officers who lost their lives.

 “We are investigating the matter and will surely root out the culprits no matter how far they run or hide, we must get them that I can assure you,” she said.

An eyewitness who spoke under anonymity disclosed that the incident occurred at about 1:00am.

“I stay just 100 meters away from the Police Check point where the incident happened, I finished watering my garden of vegetables at about 11 pm and went to bed, at about 12: 50am I started hearing gun shots.

“It lasted for few minutes and more than the usual because they usually shot in the air at night as a way to show they were on guard. When we woke up this morning was when we realized that four police have been killed and two rifles carted away.

“A joint team had come to inspect the place and also pick up the remaining two rifles at the scene of the incident.”