The Anambra State government has vowed to prosecute the gunmen who attacked the convoy of Dr Ben Nwankwo, the Chief of Staff to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, on Sunday night. The attack, which occurred in the state, resulted in the deaths of four people, including two police officers and two civilians.
Details of the Attack
Dr Ben Nwankwo, a former federal lawmaker recently confirmed as an aide to the governor, was ambushed by unidentified gunmen. His friend and two security operatives were killed initially, but the death toll later rose to four after two civilians on the entourage also lost their lives. The state government expressed shock over the incident, which came after a period of relative peace in Anambra.
Government Response
The Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation, Dr Law Mefor, issued a statement condemning the attack. He described it as an assault on the peace, security, and democratic order of the state. “This was more than an attack on one person. It was an attack on the peace, security, and democratic order of our state, as well as the government and people of Anambra,” Mefor said. He added that the incident would not deter the government from eliminating all forms of crime in the state.
Mefor extended the government’s deepest condolences to the families of the victims and assured them that justice would be served. He stated that the police and other security agencies are working tirelessly to track down the culprits and bring them to justice.
Security Operations
The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, led a joint team comprising the police, army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other forces under the Anambra State Homeland Security Squad (aka Udogachi) to the scene of the attack. The team took control of major flashpoints and conducted a thorough search of surrounding bushes to uncover the hideouts of the assailants. A suspect wearing a police camouflage uniform was arrested during the operation.
Investigation Findings
Investigations revealed that a camp might have existed near the community, following the dislodgement of hoodlums from Ufuma and other notorious camps in Orumba South Local Council Area. CP Orutugu reprimanded the President-General, his vice, and the councillor representing Ndiukwuenu Ward for failing to inform security operatives about the likely existence of such a camp. He announced that the three community leaders would be drafted into the joint security task team to assist in the ongoing manhunt for the gunmen responsible for the killings.
The state government reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and security in Anambra, vowing that the perpetrators would face the full wrath of the law.
