Gunmen kill 2 in oil rich Nigerian state

AKWA IBOM, Nigeria - Nigerian police in southeast Akwa Ibom has confirmed the killing of two unidentified persons in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of the state by unknown gunmen.

State police spokesperson Onyeka Orji disclosed this to reporters in Eket area of the state on Sunday, saying that the gunmen killed  two unidentified persons during the operation.

Orji said two members of the gang had been arrested while others fled with gunshot wounds.

According to him, the police have recovered an AK 47 riffle and 22 rounds of ammunition as well as the Hiace bus used for the operation.

The incident was said to have occurred a few meters from Akwa Ibom State University in Ikot Apanen, Mkpat Enin council area.

Security sources said there was a gun battle between the gunmen and the police lasting several minutes and scaring away people from the crime scene.

The sources said it remained unclear if the unidentified gunmen were armed robbers or hired assassins.