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By Madu Obi
Gunmen on Monday set ablaze the Umunze Police Station in Orumba South local government area of Anambra State, killing two policemen on duty.
The attack came barely two weeks after hoodlums bombed the Divisional Police Station in Oba, Idemili South local government area of the state.
An eyewitness said the gunmen stormed the police facility using improvised explosives and opened fire, causing a section of the station to go into flames.
The two slain policemen were said to be attempting to resist the attackers and prevent further damage before they were gunned down.
Anambra State Police command spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the incident, said the bodies of the deceased officers had been recovered and taken to the mortuary.
Ikenga said: "In response to the attack, a joint security force comprising the police, army, navy, civil defence, and other agencies had been deployed to track down the perpetrators.
Five unexploded improvised explosives has also been recovered from the scene."
Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam, visited the scene for a spot assessment and reassessment of security deployment.
He appealed to the public to come forward with any information that could aid the investigation, promising utmost confidentiality.
This incident marks the second major attack on a police facility in Anambra State within a fortnight, raising concerns about the escalating violence and insecurity in the region.
"The police had urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
The Anambra State Police Command has launched a thorough investigation into the attack and pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice."
Reacting on the attack, the member representing Orumba North and South in the House of Representatives, Hon Princess Chinwe Nnabuife described it as a senseless attack.
Her statement read: "This is an incident too many as Umunze has suffered so much loss of lives of her citizens in recent times .
My heart goes out to the families of the slain officers and the soldiers who lost their lives in last month's attack in Umunze. No words can adequately express the depth of my sorrow and outrage at these senseless acts of violence.
Please be assured that my office is working tirelessly with relevant federal government security agencies to address the security challenges facing Umunze and Orumba as we are under siege.
We are committed to ensuring that those responsible for these barbaric acts are brought to justice and that measures are put in place to prevent such incidents in the future.
I urge the community to remain calm and vigilant, and to cooperate with security agencies in their efforts to restore peace and order. We will do everything in our power to support the affected families and ensure that Umunze and Orumba are safe and secure for all".
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