The Anambra state police command have launched a manhunt following the deaths of two police officers on Thursday who were killed by gunmen on military uniform in Uga, in the Aguata Local Government Area, Around 6:30 p.m., the incident happened.
In a statement on Friday, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the state police command’s spokesperson, acknowledged the occurrence and stated that the gunmen had infiltrated the state from a neighboring state..
“The gang, disguised in military fatigue and seemed to be on a kidnap mission were 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 police spokesperson said.
According to Ikenga, a police-led mobile Forward Operating Base that had been policing the entire area during the Christmas season swiftly arrived at the spot, retrieved the Lexus SUV that the gang was using, and neutralized an improvised explosive device that was discovered inside.
One of the dead police officers’ AK-47 rifles was also found by the authorities.
He said, “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.
“He has urged all officers and men of Anambra State Police Command to redouble their efforts and remain vigilant. He assured that technology would be employed to track down the criminals who unleashed the attack on Police personnel.
“The Commissioner of Police encouraged the good people of Anambra State not to allow the incident to create fear in their minds but to continue with various activities they had slated for the yuletide season.”
