Police Launch Search for Killers of Two Officers in Anambra

The Anambra State Police Command has started a search for the gunmen who killed two police officers. They were shot along the Amansea, Ndiora, Ndiukwuenu, Awa, Ufuma Road in the Orumba South Local Government Area.

The order to find the killers was given on Monday by the Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Ikioye Orutugu. He announced this during an emergency meeting at the State Police Command Headquarters in Awka.

Orutugu briefed senior officers and heads of operational units on how urgent the situation is.

Reports say the policemen were ambushed while returning from an assignment on Sunday night. They were part of a convoy that included Chief Ben Nwankwo, the Chief of Staff to the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo. Nwankwo had attended an event on behalf of the governor and was on his way back to Awka when the attack happened.

Though the Chief of Staff escaped without injury, some civilians in the convoy were hurt in the gunfire that lasted several minutes.

Eyewitnesses say the attackers had hidden in nearby bushes. They opened fire on the officers as they approached, causing panic in nearby communities.

One eyewitness, a tricycle rider who did not want to be named, was returning from Ezira in Orumba South Local Government Area when he heard the gunshots. He quickly turned back to find safety.

He said, “The incident happened last night. I was returning from a journey when I suddenly heard gunshots. I abandoned my tricycle and turned back for safety.

“After the shooting stopped, I continued my journey and reached the spot where the shooting occurred. I saw that two police officers had been shot and were lying lifeless on the road.”

A video online shows the two officers lying beside their patrol van in a pool of blood. A voice in the video called for help from the authorities.

When reached on Monday, Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu confirmed the incident. He said investigations have started and necessary actions are being taken.

Orutugu stated, “A team of police officers was returning from an assignment when armed men ambushed them and opened fire. We lost two officers in this process.

“The police have been working on this since Sunday night and are intensifying efforts to catch those behind the attack.

“I want you to find the attackers and the killers of our officers. I demand immediate action to arrest those responsible for this terrible act.

“I want results. The people of Anambra State must know that the police are ready to protect them.

“The slain officers must get justice. We cannot stay silent while police personnel keep losing their lives to criminals.

“I am declaring ‘Operation Fish Them Out.’ Criminals cannot keep using the night to cause violence in our state.

“This kind of killing cannot happen under my watch. We must bring the criminals to justice and stop their activities.”

Orutugu also asked the public to be careful and watch out for people pretending to be security personnel at checkpoints. He said investigations showed that some criminals dress in police and military uniforms to carry out their crimes.

“The public is advised to be alert about persons at various checkpoints, as some miscreants wear security uniforms while committing crimes,” he added.

He warned drivers and passengers to be careful when traveling along the Amansea, Ufuma Road, calling it a lonely road that has become a hotspot for crime.

“The Amansea, Ufuma Road is an isolated route. Commuters should be cautious while using it, as it has recently become a place for criminals.

“However, we assure residents that the command is committed, prepared, and ready to ensure the safety of lives and property across Anambra State,” he said.

He also expressed hope that there would be significant progress in the next 48 hours.