At least 8 security operatives comprising soldiers, policemen and Civil Defence officers have been killed in Imo state, after their 2 patrol vehicles were bunt down by gunmen.

An eyewitness who spoke to newsmen said the incident happened at about 11:30 am on Tuesday in Oriagu, around the Aba branch in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo state.

A video clip of the attack which went viral, revealed five burnt bodies of soldiers with their uniforms and guns. It also showed that two patrol vehicles were inflamed. None of the security officers on board the vehicles survived.

Reports say that the road leading to the scene of the incident had been condoned off as tension continued to rise around the affected community.

Another resident disclosed that the local government area has been identified as an operational zone for the hoodlums who operate from a valley that is difficult for the security operatives to reach.

He said: “Anytime they attack, they escape into the valley which has a thick vast forest with caves surrounding it that makes it difficult for the security people to arrest them, the government knows that place is dangerous.”