A group of gunmen has attacked police officers along the Amansea–Ndiora–Ndiukwuenu–Awa–Ufuma Road, located around Orumba South Local Area of Anambra State, killing two police officers instantly.
Our correspondent gathered that police men were ambushed and attacked on Sunday night while returning from an assignment.
According to eyewitnesses in the area, the assailants who had laid siege in a nearby bush opened fire on the officers as soon as they approached, with the gunshots sending panic across the communities along the road.
One of the eyewitnesses, a tricycle rider, who plies the road speaking on the condition of anonymity, said he was returning from Ezira in Orumba South Local Government Area when he suddenly heard gunshots and immediately turned back to seek safety.
He said, “The incident happened last night. I was coming from a journey when I suddenly heard gunshots. I left my tricycle and went back for safety.
“After the shooting subsided, I resumed my journey and got to the point where the shooting happened and discovered that two police officers had already been gunned down and were lying lifelessly on the road.”
In a video circulating online, the two policemen were seen lying on the road beside their patrol van in a pool of blood, with the voice in the video calling for the attention of relevant authorities.
When contacted on Monday about the development, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Ikioye Orutugu, confirmed the incident.
Orutugu said the command had already commenced investigations and was taking necessary action.
He said, “A team of police officers was returning from an assignment when they were ambushed by armed men who opened fire on them. In the process, we lost two officers.
“The police had been working on the matter since Sunday night and had intensified efforts to track down those responsible for the attack.”
The commissioner further stated that he would visit the scene of the incident to assess the situation and strategise with security personnel on measures to prevent similar attacks in the state.
He also warned motorists and members of the public to be cautious and avoid approaching unauthorised checkpoints that are not manned by identifiable police personnel and official police vehicles.
“Whenever you approach a checkpoint without police vehicles or clear police identification, you should exercise caution. Either turn back and alert the nearest police formation or immediately contact the police for assistance,” the CP alerted.
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