In a tragic incident, the Anambra State Police Command has reported the killing of two of its officers by gunmen operating in the Uga roundabout area of Aguata Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
The assailants, reportedly on a kidnap mission, encountered the police officers when a team attached to a motorcade unknowingly ran into them.
The officers, engaged in clearing a traffic gridlock, were ambushed by the armed men. Sensing danger, the gunmen, who were reportedly wearing military fatigues, shot and killed two police personnel before fleeing the scene after a gun duel.
Aderemi Adeoye, the Commissioner of Police (CP) in Anambra, has ordered an intensive manhunt for the assailants.
The police public relations officer (PPRO) for Anambra command, Tochukwu Ikenga, revealed in a statement that the Mobile Forward Operating Base, on intensive patrol throughout Christmas, promptly responded to the situation.
During the operation, a Lexus SUV used by the gang and an AK-47 rifle belonging to one of the slain officers were recovered. Additionally, an improvised explosive device found in the vehicle was successfully defused.
“The CP Aderemi Adeoye had declared the weekend and Christmas holidays as special working days for all officers and men in the command,” the statement reads.
“He commended all personnel for their tireless and courageous effort in securing the people of Anambra State.
“The CP has urged all officers and men of Anambra State Police Command to redouble their efforts and remain vigilant while assuring that technology would be deployed to track down the criminals who unleashed the attack on police personnel.”
Despite the loss, the CP urged personnel not to be demoralized but to draw inspiration from the bravery displayed by their colleagues in confronting the criminal gang.
Adeoye extended condolences to the families of the deceased officers and the Enugu State Police Command, assuring that the personnel’s sacrifice would not be in vain.
Adeoye called for calm among the residents of Anambra, encouraging them not to let the incident instill fear but to proceed with their planned activities for the yuletide season.
