Gunmen launched a fatal assault last night on the convoy of former Anambra State political heavyweight, Chief Chris Uba, resulting in the deaths of two policemen among four casualties. The attack unfolded at Uga junction, Chief Uba’s hometown.
Confirming the incident, the Anambra State Police Command acknowledged the deaths of two policemen, specifying that they were operatives from the Enugu State Command.
Sources revealed that the assailants encountered Uba’s convoy at Uga junction in Aguata local government area, sparking a shootout with the police.
An eyewitness mentioned that Uba managed to escape unharmed due to his car’s bulletproof nature. Unfortunately, amidst the exchange of gunfire, four individuals, including two policemen, lost their lives.
Reports suggested the gunmen had intentions to abduct the politician but ultimately failed. There is uncertainty regarding any successful kidnappings during the attack.
Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Tochukwu Ikenga, detailed the sequence of events, stating, “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 was 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.”
The Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye, offered condolences to the families of the deceased officers and the Enugu State Police Command.
He assured that the sacrifice of the officers would not be in vain, urging the Anambra State Police Command to bolster efforts and remain vigilant. The Commissioner promised the utilization of technology to trace the perpetrators behind the attack on the police personnel.
