2 policemen, 2 other people killed as gunmen attack Chris Uba's convoy in Anambra

By Madu Obi

TWO policemen were among four people killed last night when gunmen attacked the convoy of the erstwhile Anambra State political godfather, Chief Chris Uba. The incident happened at Uga junction, which is Uba's hometown.

The Anambra State Police command has confirmed that two policemen were killed, although he said the operatives were from the Enugu State command.

It was gathered that Uba's convoy ran into the gunmen at Uga junction in Aguata local government area, leading to a gun battle between them and the police.

According to a source, Uba was able to escape because his car is bulletproof, adding that it was during the shooting that four persons, including two policemen, were killed.

It was also learnt that the aim of the gunmen was to kidnap the politician, but did not succeed and it was not clear if the gunmen succeeded in kidnapping anybody in the convoy.

Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement said: "The command has launched an intensive manhunt for armed insurgents who infiltrated from a neighbouring state and killed two police personnel on 28th December 2023.

"The gang, which 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.

"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 Police, Aderemi Adeoye, has urged the police not to be demoralized 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 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 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."