Search for Gunmen After Two Policemen Killed in Anambra

The Anambra State Police has started a search for the people who killed two policemen. They were shot along the Amansea, Ndiora, Ndiukwuenu, Awa, Ufuma Road in 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 spoke during an emergency meeting at the State Police Command Headquarters in Awka.

Orutugu updated senior officers and heads of units about 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 gone to an event for the governor and was heading back to Awka when the attack occurred.

Although Chief Nwankwo escaped without injury, some civilians in the convoy were hurt during the gunfight that lasted several minutes. Eyewitnesses in the area say the attackers waited in a nearby bush and opened fire as the officers approached. The gunfire caused panic among communities along the road.

One eyewitness, a tricycle rider who didn't want to be named, was coming back from Ezira in Orumba South 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 got to the spot where it happened, only to find two police officers lying dead on the road.”

A video going around shows the two policemen lying beside their patrol van in a pool of blood. A voice in the video asked for the relevant authorities to come.

When we reached out on Monday, CP Ikioye Orutugu confirmed the incident. He said the police are already investigating and taking action.

Orutugu stated, “A team of police officers was returning from an assignment when armed men ambushed them. We lost two officers in the attack. 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. The people of Anambra State must know that the police are in charge and ready to protect them.

“The slain officers must get justice. We cannot keep quiet while our police officers keep losing their lives to criminals. I hereby declare ‘Operation Fish Them Out.’ Criminals cannot keep using the night to cause violence in the state.

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

He also told the public to be careful and watch out for people pretending to be security personnel at checkpoints. Investigations show that some criminals wear police and military uniforms to carry out their activities.

“The public should be alert concerning people at checkpoints, as some miscreants now wear security uniforms while committing crimes,” he added.

The CP warned drivers and passengers to be careful while using the Amansea, Ufuma Road. He described it as a lonely road that has recently become a hotspot for crime.

“The Amansea, Ufuma Road is particularly isolated. Commuters and the public should be cautious using this road, as it has recently become a den for criminals.

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

He is confident that they will make significant progress in the next 48 hours.