Gunmen have killed four people, including two police officers, in Anambra State, located in Nigeria's South-east region. The attack occurred at approximately 9 p.m. on Sunday when armed assailants ambushed the convoy of Ben Nwankwo, the newly appointed chief of staff to Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State.
Details of the Ambush
The hoodlums laid an ambush before opening fire on the convoy along the Amansea–Ndiora–Ndiukwuenu–Awa–Ufuma Road in Orumba South Local Government Area of the state. This area shares boundaries with communities in Awka North Local Government Area. The slain officers were part of a police team accompanying the convoy when the attackers ambushed and killed them. Two other victims were reportedly officials attached to the chief of staff's office. Sources indicated that Mr. Nwankwo was inside the convoy during the attack.
Government Response
The police spokesperson in Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga, did not respond to calls seeking comment. However, the Commissioner for Information in Anambra State, Law Mefor, confirmed the attack in a statement on Monday night. Mr. Mefor expressed shock at the attack, stating that the chief of staff was returning from an assignment when the incident occurred.
“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. Sadly, four people lost their lives and deserve justice,” he said. Mr. Mefor added that the state government has commiserated with the families of those who lost their loved ones. “The police and other security agencies are working to find and bring everyone involved in this evil act to justice,” he assured.
Rising Insecurity in the Region
Like other states in the South-east, security has deteriorated in Anambra with frequent attacks by armed hoodlums in recent times. Security operatives, government officials, and their facilities have been targeted in such attacks. No group has claimed responsibility for the latest attack, although the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has been blamed for the frequent attacks in the South-east. However, the group has repeatedly denied any involvement. IPOB is seeking the secession of South-east and some parts of the South-south from Nigeria.
