Last night, unidentified gunmen launched an attack on a convoy believed to be associated with the self-proclaimed political leader of Anambra, Chief Chris Uba. According to a DAILY POST source, the vehicles in the convoy were struck by gunfire, resulting in the tragic death of two police officers assigned to protect the politician. Additionally, another political figure, Mr. Val Ozigbo, narrowly escaped the assault.
The source recounted the incident, stating, “We observed the events as Chris Uba’s convoy encountered the armed men stationed at UGA junction, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire. Uba managed to escape unharmed due to being in a bulletproof vehicle, but the police officers lost their lives in the crossfire. Val Ozigbo, returning from Owerri with his family, witnessed a convoy aggressively approaching his own and attempting to force him off the road. Reacting swiftly, he instructed his driver to yield the road, allowing the other convoy to pass.”
The source further explained that after overtaking Ozigbo’s convoy, the attackers encountered the gunmen at UGA junction, resulting in the fatal shooting of two policemen. Ozigbo, who had parked during the incident, later discovered that the targeted convoy belonged to Uba.
It was revealed that the assailants’ intention was to abduct the politician, and while many individuals were reportedly injured, it remains unclear if any kidnappings occurred.
In response to the incident, the state police command, through its spokesperson DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, issued a press release, announcing the initiation of a thorough manhunt for the attackers. The release detailed the events, stating that the armed group, disguised in military attire, encountered two police officers who approached their direction. A firefight ensued, during which the officers leading the convoy returned fire, prompting the assailants to flee. The police-led mobile Forward Operating Base swiftly responded, recovering a used Lexus SUV and dismantling an improvised explosive device found in the vehicle. An AK-47 rifle belonging to one of the slain officers was also recovered.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased officers and the Enugu State Police Command. He praised the bravery of the officers and urged the Anambra State Police Command to remain vigilant. The Commissioner assured the use of technology in tracking down the criminals responsible for the attack on the police personnel.