Two police officers attached to the Anambra State Police Command were killed on Sunday night following an attack by armed gunmen on the convoy of the Chief of Staff to Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.
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According to reports, the gunmen opened fire on the convoy along the Ndiukwuenu–Amansea Road, triggering a fierce gun battle between the assailants and security operatives attached to the convoy. A video recorded by a tricycle operator who claimed to have witnessed the incident showed an abandoned Hilux vehicle at the scene and the bodies of the fallen officers.
Confirming the attack on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the officers were escorting the Chief of Staff when the gunmen launched the assault.
He explained that the security personnel immediately engaged the attackers in a bid to protect the principal and other members of the convoy.
“Two of our officers were fatally wounded while trying to repel the attack on the convoy of the Chief of Staff. They paid the supreme price to ensure that the principal and other members of the convoy escaped safely,” Ikenga said.
The police spokesperson noted that despite the loss of the officers, the Chief of Staff and other occupants of the convoy escaped unharmed.
He further disclosed that security operatives had intensified operations in the area and launched a manhunt for the attackers. The area has been cordoned off as investigations continue.
Ikenga also appealed to residents to remain calm and provide any useful information that could assist law enforcement agencies in tracking down the suspects.
Addressing speculation that the incident may have been an assassination attempt, the police spokesman dismissed the claim, describing it as a criminal attack rather than a targeted operation.
“For me, it was not an assassination attempt. This appears to be a case of criminals attacking someone. It was not necessarily that he was specifically targeted. He was attacked just as any other person could be attacked,” he stated.
The Anambra State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state while assuring residents that efforts were underway to bring those responsible to justice.
