BREAKING: Gunmen shoot policeman dead, APC deputy gov candidate escapes

A yet-to-be-identified policeman was shot dead, while the All Progressives Congress deputy governorship candidate in Rivers State, Dr. Innocent Barikor, escaped death by whisker at the GRA axis of Port Harcourt on Tuesday night.

The incident took place in front of a club in the high-brow city centre when the assailants opened fire on the cop in what is suspected to be an assassination attempt on Dr. Barikor’s life.

It was gathered that Barikor had left his office on Tuesday night for a meeting in the area, not knowing that the gunmen were on his trail.

It was further gathered that the gunmen aimed at the cop attached to Barikor immediately they sighted his vehicle, killing him on the spot.

However, the police denied that the incident was an assassination attempt, but confirmed that one of its operatives was killed

The Deputy Publicity Secretary of APC, Darlington Nwauju, who also confirmed the incident, said the late operative was Dr. Barikor’s orderly.

Nwauju called for a thorough investigation into the incident and appealed for the Inspector-General of Police to intervene.

“Yes, he ((cop) works with Barikor. We are calling on the IGP to intervene and look into the incessant attacks on members of our party.

“It is unfortunate that this attack is coming a few days after Dr. Barikor was unveiled as the party’s deputy governorship candidate,” the state APC deputy spokesman said.

When contacted, the spokesperson of the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed that a cop was killed, but said the report of the attempted assassination was false.

“Yes, but it was not an assassination. Actually, a policeman was shot. I think he was the target because they saw him with a rifle.

“Nothing happened to the candidate. We are investigating the incident and the place has been surrounded. If an arrest is made I will let you know,” Iringe-Koko stated.