Anambra CP Confirms Killing of 2 Cops by Gunmen

By Praise Chinecherem

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, has confirmed the killing of two police officers in an attack by gunmen along the Awa-Ndiukwuenu-Ufuma Road in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred on Sunday night when the officers, who were reportedly returning from an assignment, came under attack from armed assailants.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that the gunmen opened fire on the patrol team, leaving two officers dead at the scene. A commercial tricycle operator who claimed to have witnessed the attack said he was travelling along the route when he suddenly heard gunshots.
According to the operator, he immediately abandoned his tricycle and fled into a nearby bush for safety.
“After some time, I returned and continued my journey. When I got to the scene, I saw two policemen lying on the road and their patrol vehicle parked by the roadside,” he said in a voice note.
The witness added that he decided to alert the public because he believed one of the officers might still have been alive and in need of urgent assistance.
Confirming the incident, CP Orutugu said the officers were ambushed while returning from an official assignment.

“A team of police officers were returning from an assignment when they were ambushed by gunmen who opened fire on them. In the process, we lost two officers,” the police commissioner said.

He disclosed that the command had commenced investigations and intensified efforts to identify and apprehend those behind the attack.
“The command has been working on the matter since Sunday night and has stepped up operations to track down those responsible,” he added.

The police commissioner also said he would visit the scene of the attack to assess the situation and engage security personnel on strategies to prevent similar incidents in the state.
Orutugu further advised motorists and residents to remain vigilant and avoid unauthorized checkpoints not manned by identifiable police officers or official police vehicles.

“Whenever you approach a checkpoint without police vehicles or clear police identification, exercise caution. Either turn back and alert the nearest police formation or immediately contact the police for assistance,” he said.