Two police officers were fatally shot by gunmen along the Amansea-Ufuma Road in Orumba South Local Government Area, Anambra State. The attack occurred on the night of Sunday, May 31, during a convoy operation involving Chief Ben Nwankwo, Chief of Staff to Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
Attack Details
The policemen were ambushed while returning from an assignment. Chief Nwankwo, who had attended an official function on behalf of the governor, escaped unhurt. However, several civilians in the entourage sustained injuries during the prolonged gun duel.
A tricycle rider who witnessed the attack reported hearing sudden gunshots and abandoning his vehicle to flee. He later returned to find the two officers lying lifeless beside their patrol van in a pool of blood.
Police Response
Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu confirmed the incident on Monday, June 1. He gathered senior officers and operational heads for an emergency security meeting at the command headquarters in Awka. During the meeting, he declared a special operation code-named 'Operation Fish Them Out' and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Orutugu urged the public to remain vigilant, noting that some criminal elements now pose as security personnel at checkpoints while wearing police and military uniforms. He described the Amansea-Ufuma Road as a lonely stretch that has recently become a den of criminal activities.
Community Concerns
This incident follows a protest by residents of Achalla community in Awka North Local Government Area, who stormed the governor's office on February 5 to decry incessant insecurity in their area. The protesters carried banners and placards, urging the state government to address the security challenges.
The Anambra State Police Command has intensified efforts to track down the attackers and ensure the safety of residents across the state.
