Two police operatives were among the people killed on Thursday when gunmen dressed in military fatigue attacked the convoy of the former Anambra political strongman, Chief Chris Uba.
The unfortunate attack occured at Uga roundabout in Aguata local government area of Anambra state.
Uba’s escape was reportedly made possible because of his bulletproof vehicle. The police operatives and two other civilians were less lucky.
The gunmen were said to be on a kidnap mission when the two officers on the convoy of chief Uba approached their direction.
They immediately opened fire on them which unfortunately resulted to their death.
Eyewitness account describe a chaotic scenario at the Uga Junction where the convoy encountered the criminal elements around 5pm.
“Chris Uba’s convoy ran into the gunmen who were stationed at UGA junction, leading to a shootout,” an eyewitness said.
Meanwhile, the spokesman of Anambra police command, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu who confirmed the attack said an extensive manhunt for the gunmen has been launched.
According to Ikenga, a Lexus SUV the gunmen operated with has been recovered and also an improvised explosive device found in the vehicle was defused.
The statement reads, “Anambra State Police Command has launched an intensive manhunt for armed insurgents who infiltrated from a neighbouring state and killed two police personnel on December 28, 2023, at about 6.30 pm.
“The gang which was disguised in military fatigue and seemed to be on a kidnap mission was jolted on seeing two armed police officers approaching their direction.
“They opened fire on the officers who had moved ahead of the convoy they were escorting to decongest traffic gridlock. Other personnel returned fire, careful not to hit many motorists who were in traffic, forcing the bandits to flee.”
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye, who had declared the weekend and Christmas holidays as special working days for all officers and men in the command commended all personnel for their tireless and courageous effort in securing the people of Anambra State.
“He urged them not to be demoralised by the supreme price paid by their colleagues from Enugu State Command but to draw inspiration from their bravery in confronting the criminal gang.
“He condoled with the families of the deceased officers and Enugu State Police Command and vowed that the personnel will not die in vain”.
