Four police officers killed, 10 Kenyans abducted by Ethiopian militia

Four police officers were killed and three others injured in a gun battle with Ethiopian militia at Sololo in Marsabit County on Friday.

The officers were among 16 who were on patrol along the Kenya-Ethiopia border when they were ambushed by close to 200 Ethiopian militia.

Confirming the incident, Sololo AP Chief Inspector Ali Guyo said the officers had moved to patrol the border after receiving reports from the locals that there was a heavy presence of Ethiopian militia in the area.

The militia are said to have been seen surveying the area for several days creating a state of panic among the residents.

Reports indicate that the militia had earlier abducted 10 Kenyans from Ramole and Anona villages and were on their way back to Ethiopia when they encountered the officers, leading to the gunfire.

The militants sprayed their patrol car with bullets promoting the officers to take cover.

The suspects are believed to have stolen the officers’ communication gadgets before crossing the border to Ethiopia.

Police have been deployed at the border to keep vigil.

Bodies of those killed have been taken to Sololo hospital.