The Anambra State Police Command has initiated an extensive search operation for unidentified armed attackers believed to have crossed from a neighboring state with the intent to murder two police personnel.
The criminals fatally shot the police officers at Uga Roundabout in Aguata on Thursday night. The officers were leading a convoy to alleviate a traffic congestion in the community when the assailants opened fire.
Reports state that the gunmen also aimed at a convoy believed to be associated with Anambra politician Chris Uba and Labour Party chieftain Mr. Val Ozigbo, both caught in the traffic.
Anambra State Police spokesman Tochukwu Ikenga officially verified the incident in a statement released on Friday.
“Anambra State Police Command has launched an intensive manhunt for armed insurgents who infiltrated from a neighbouring state and killed two police personnel on December 28, 2023, at about 6:30 pm.”
“The gang which was disguised in military fatigue and seemed to be on a kidnap mission were jolted on seeing two armed police officers approaching their direction.
“They opened fire on the officers who had moved ahead of the convoy they were escorting to decongest traffic gridlock. Other personnel returned fire, careful not to hit many motorists who were in traffic, forcing the bandits to flee,” Ikenga said.
Meanwhile, a socio-political youth organization, the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders, issued a statement on Friday, expressing strong condemnation of the attack. The statement was signed by the President-General, Goodluck Ibem.
The statement partly read, “It is worrisome that such a deadly attack could be executed during the Christmas period, a time highly respected and revered by Christians all over the world. This is a big slap and we will not take it lying low.
“Those hoodlums must be arrested and prosecuted immediately. This sad attack happened because the governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, who is the Chief Security Officer of the state failed woefully to provide security which is the primary responsibility of the government to the people. What is he doing with all the money he collects for security votes? Nothing!”