A police officer was on Thursday beheaded and burnt by hoodlums during an attack on police stations in Nnewi, Anambra state.

Haruna Mohammed, the state police spokesperson, in a statement, said three other police officers also sustained varying degrees of injuries.

He said the victims were taken hospital for medical attention and that they are responding to treatment.

He said five persons were also attacked in Onitsha and were taken to hospital for medical attention where three have been confirmed dead and the other two being treated.

Mohammed said the hoodlums attacked and vandalised police stations and government properties.

Mohammed listed other police formations attacked to include Nnewi area command,3-3 division, Ogbunike/ Isiuwulu, and Nnobi divisions as well as Peoples Club police post.

“On the 21/10/2020 at about 11:30pm hoodlums in large number under the guise of ‘END SARS’ protesters attacked Nnewi Police Station, set it ablaze and vandalized patrol vehicles and other exhibits but were prevented from assessing the armoury to cart away arm due to strong resistance placed by policemen on duty,” he said.

“Similarly, on the 22/10/2020 between 3:30am and 5:pm, the hoodlums in large number equally attacked Nnewi Area Command,3-3 Division, Ogbunike/ Isiuwulu, Nnobi, and Itchy Divisions as well as peoples club police post, burnt Police vehicles and set the facilities ablaze carting away exhibits kept at the Divisions.

“Meanwhile, one police officer was beheaded and burnt to ashes while three others sustained various degrees of injuries. The injured police officers were rushed to the hospital for medical attention and they are responding to treatment.

“Consequently, seven other police stations namely CPS/Area Command Onitsha, Ogidi, Awada, Inland Town and B’Divisions successfully repelled the attacks and chased the hoodlums away.

“Also, police operatives in collaboration with members of the Communities comprising of youths, vigilante and community leaders at Okpoko, CPS Awka, Oraifite, Otolo, Amichi and Oba vehemently resisted attempt by the hoodlums to attack the police Stations.

“However, five persons were attacked in Onitsha and taken to the hospital for medical attention where three have been confirmed dead by the medical doctor while two others are receiving treatment.

“Other government properties burnt or destroyed include High Court Ogidi, Idemili North LG Secretariat while Zik Statue at DMGS roundabout was vandalized. Arrest was equally made.”

To forestall further violence, Willie Obiano, the governor, imposed a 24-hour curfew in the state.