No fewer than four people, including two policemen, were killed on Thursday night when gunmen attacked the convoy of the erstwhile Anambra State political godfather, Chief Chris Uba.
According to reports, the gunmen attack happened at Uga Junction, which is Uba’s hometown.
Confirming the attack, the Anambra State Police command has stated that two policemen were killed by the gunmen although he said the operatives were from the Enugu State command.
According to reports, Uba’s convoy collided with the militants at the Uga crossroads in Aguata local government district, resulting in a gun battle between them and the police.
According to a source, Uba was able to flee because his automobile was bulletproof, and four people, including two police officers, were murdered during the shooting.
It was also learned that the gunmen attempted but failed to kidnap the politician, and it was unclear whether the assailants succeeded in snatching anyone in the convoy.
Tochukwu Ikenga, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, said in a statement, “The command has launched an intensive manhunt for armed insurgents who infiltrated from a neighboring state and killed two police personnel on December 28, 2023.
“The gang, which was disguised in military fatigue and seemed to be on a kidnapping 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.
“Police-led Mobile Forward Operating Base, which had been on intensive patrol of the entire area throughout Christmas celebrations, promptly responded to the scene.
“It recovered a Lexus SUV the gang operated with and defused an improvised explosive device found in the vehicle. It also recovered an AK-47 rifle belonging to one of the slain personnel.”
According to the PPRO, the state commissioner of officers, Aderemi Adeoye, has advised the officers not to be disheartened by the supreme price paid by their Enugu State command colleagues but to be inspired by their valor in confronting the criminal gang.
He added, “The CP has condoled with the families of the deceased officers and Enugu State Police Command and vowed that the personnel will not die in vain.
“He has urged all officers and men of the Anambra State Police Command to redouble their efforts and remain vigilant.
”He assured me that technology would be employed to track down the criminals who unleashed the attack on police personnel.”
