The Anambra State Police Command is actively pursuing unidentified assailants responsible for the killing of two police personnel who reportedly came from a neighboring state. The incident occurred at Uga Roundabout in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State late on Thursday.
According to an eyewitness, the attackers, armed with AK-47 rifles, arrived in large numbers from the Umuchu-Umunze Road, randomly kidnapping people. The assailants, undeterred and unchallenged, remained at the scene for an extended period.
When a group of policemen approached from the Ezinifite axis, the attackers, displaying no haste, opened fire, resulting in the tragic death of two police officers. The Anambra State police spokesperson, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident in a press statement released on Friday.
Ikenga explained that the assailants, disguised in military attire, appeared to be on a kidnap mission. They engaged a convoy of police officers, opening fire on them. In response, the police officers returned fire, ensuring the safety of motorists caught in the traffic gridlock. The attackers eventually fled the scene.
The police-led mobile Forward Operating Base, on patrol in the area during the Christmas period, quickly responded to the incident. The police recovered a Lexus SUV used by the assailants and safely defused an improvised explosive device found in the vehicle.
Commissioner of Police CP Aderemi Adeoye, who had designated the weekend and Christmas holidays as special working days for all officers and personnel, commended their tireless efforts and courage. He urged them not to be demoralized by the sacrifice made by their colleagues from the Enugu State Command but to draw inspiration from their bravery in confronting criminal elements.
CP Adeoye extended condolences to the families of the deceased officers and the Enugu State Police Command, vowing that the sacrifices of the personnel would not be in vain. The manhunt for the assailants continues as the police work to bring them to justice.