A policeman was on Thursday reportedly killed, while others were injured after engaging soldiers in a gun duel at Ngwa High School Forward Operation Base (FOB) in Abia State. The dead police officer was allegedly hit in the chest during a crossfire between the army and police patrol team that stormed the Operation Base.

The incident ,which was said to have lasted more than 30minutes, caused pandemonium in the area. Students, teachers inside the army base, shop owners and passersby within the area all scampered for safety.

Trouble started when one of the soldiers at the gate accosted a policeman who was wearing an army camouflage. The policeman was said have rebuffed the soldier and in the heat of the argument, the police officer sprayed a hand teargas into the soldier’s eye which led to a physical combat.

The police officer was reported to have called for reinforcement. A Police patrol van loaded with mobile policemen arrived the scene of the incident and started firing at the soldiers and the soldiers responded.

Read More: TheNation