CP Musa Kimo, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers, has constituted an investigative panel to unravel the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of five policemen in Okujagu community, Okrika Local Government Area.

A statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmed Muhammad, on Friday in Port Harcourt, said that the panel would be headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Investigation Department.

According to the statement, the policemen were on an official duty with their colleagues on Wednesday when they were ambushed by unknown gunmen.

“The policemen went to Okujagu community on a routine police inquiry when they were ambushed by unknown gunmen.

“Before they could disembark from the boat that ferried them, they were bombarded with a barrage of heavy gunfire which forced them to scamper for cover.

“By the time the firing ended, six policemen comprising two inspectors and four other rank and file could not be accounted for.”

The statement said that a day after the incident, one of the missing policemen, Inspector Aferuan Imoukhuede was rescued.

It further said that efforts were ongoing to rescue the remaining five missing policemen.

It added that 53 suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident and that they were undergoing interrogation. (NAN)

•Photo shows Rivers CP Musa Kimo.