awka /umuahia — Kidnappers who attempted to abduct expatriates working for 7Up Bottling Company in Aba killed five policemen and set their vehicle ablaze on Tuesday.

An eyewitness account said the policemen, comprising an Assistant Superintendent, a Sergeant, two Corporals, and a Constable ,were escorting a vehicle belonging to the company when the attackers accosted them at about 8 a.m.

The kidnappers had laid ambush at a car wash near the company's office on 7Up/Glass Industry Road, Umuola, Ogbor Hill, after ascertaining that the car conveying the expatriates was on its way.

They opened fire on both the police vehicle and the car, killing the five policemen instantly and removing their rifles before setting the vehicle ablaze.

Upon the discovery that no foreigner was in the car, the gang attempted to gain entry into the company's premises, but was prevented by policemen guarding the place.

Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Abayomi Oladipo - who is also the acting Area Commander, Aba Area Command - while briefing Police Commissioner, Edgar Nanakumo, at the scene of the crime said the deceased officers did not have the opportunity to escape or return fire.

He said no arrest has been made, but that detectives are on red alert to fish out the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

Nanakumo described the incident as very unfortunate.

Kidnappers also stormed Onitsha on Tuesday and snatched three persons at two locations after fierce shooting that created panic.

They shot and killed a mobile policeman. A stray bullet also killed a local gin vendor.

An eyewitness narrated that about eight assailants kidnapped Kingsley Kalu, Manager of a bureau de change, and Sky Okoli, owner of Citygate Real Estate Company.

The incidents were confirmed by Yusuf Abdul, Divisional Police Officer in charge of the central police station, and and Tafida Sale, Divisional Police Officer in Fegge.

"We are investigating the matter and we are seeking for information," Abdul said.

Another police source added that the gang came in two jeeps and "started shooting sporadically on the street adjacent to the central police station, and our men responded. In the ensuing gun battle, a mobile policeman was shot dead.

"The kidnappers escaped after the duel and abducted two prominent personalities, while a stray bullet killed a roadside seller of local gin."

The second incident happened at number 5 Anambra Street, Fegge, where 15 attackers invaded the residence a businessman, Tony Ogbuagu.

They forced the steel doors of his house open with gunshots - and in the process shot his son, Sunday, in the hand.

Ogbuagu's neighbours said the assailants also took away N500,000 beside abducting him.

The police said that they are trailing the kidnappers, who have yet to contact the family or associates of Ogbuagu to demand ransom.