Suspected hoodlums have reportedly killed two police officers during an attack on the convoy of the Chief of Staff to the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Ben Nwankwo, along the Amansea-Ufuma Road.
The attack, which occurred on Sunday night, was said to have targeted the governor’s aide, who escaped unhurt.
Following the incident, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, issued a 48-hour ultimatum to police formations and operational units across the state to track down and arrest those behind the attack.
The directive was given during an emergency security meeting held at the State Police Command Headquarters, where senior officers and heads of tactical units were briefed on the development.
Describing the attack as a direct challenge to the authority of the state, Orutugu vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice.
“I want you to fish out the attackers and the killers of our officers. I demand immediate action to apprehend those responsible for this heinous act. I want results. The people of Anambra State must know that the police are fully in charge and ready to protect them,” the commissioner said.
He warned that criminal elements would no longer be allowed to operate freely under the cover of darkness to perpetrate violent crimes.
“This kind of killing cannot happen under my watch. We must bring the perpetrators to justice and put an end to their activities,” he added.
The police commissioner also expressed concern over what he described as emerging criminal tactics, revealing that intelligence reports indicated that some attackers now disguise themselves in police and military uniforms to evade arrest and carry out criminal operations.
He urged residents to remain vigilant, particularly while travelling along vulnerable routes across the state.
Orutugu specifically cautioned motorists and commuters using the Amansea-Ufuma Road, describing it as an isolated route that has recently become a hotspot for criminal activities and ambushes.
“The Amansea-Ufuma Road is a particularly isolated route. Commuters and members of the public should exercise caution while using the road, as it has, in recent times, become a den of criminal elements,” he said.
The commissioner assured residents that the command remained committed to restoring normalcy and ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.
He further disclosed that intelligence-led operations had already commenced and expressed confidence that the perpetrators would be apprehended within the 48-hour deadline.
