Anambra Police Launch Manhunt After Gunmen Kill Two Officers

The Anambra State Police Command has launched a manhunt for gunmen who killed two police officers along the Amansea–Ndiora–Ndiukwuenu–Awa–Ufuma Road in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The directive was issued on Monday by the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, during an emergency security meeting held at the State Police Command Headquarters in Awka.

Orutugu reportedly briefed senior officers and heads of operational units on the urgency of tracking down those responsible for the attack.

The officers were said to have been ambushed on Sunday night while returning from an assignment during a convoy operation.

Sources said the attack also involved the convoy of Ben Nwankwo, Chief of Staff to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who had attended an event on behalf of the governor and was returning to Awka when the gunmen struck.

Although Nwankwo reportedly escaped unhurt, some civilians travelling in the entourage sustained injuries during the exchange of gunfire.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers, believed to have been hiding in nearby bushes, opened fire on the convoy as it approached the area, causing panic among residents and road users.

A commercial tricycle rider who witnessed the incident said he immediately turned back after hearing gunshots.

“The incident happened last night. I was returning from a journey when I suddenly heard gunshots. I abandoned my tricycle and turned back for safety,” he said.

“After the shooting subsided, I resumed my journey and got to the point where the shooting occurred, only to discover that two police officers had been gunned down and were lying lifeless on the road,” the witness added.

Videos circulating online showed the slain officers lying beside their patrol van in pools of blood as onlookers called on authorities to intervene.

Confirming the attack on Monday, Orutugu said investigations had commenced and security operatives were already taking action.

“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 commissioner said.

He assured residents that the command was intensifying efforts to apprehend the attackers and restore security in the area.