The Anambra Police have confirmed the killing of two cops by suspected kidnappers in the Uga roundabout area of the Aguata Local Government Area on Thursday evening.
Reportedly, the assailants, who were suspected to be on a kidnap mission, were operating in the vicinity when a team of policemen, oblivious to their presence and attempting to clear traffic gridlock, encountered them.
Sensing potential danger, the armed men fired at the policemen, resulting in the deaths of two officers. Subsequently, the gunmen engaged in a shootout with other personnel who responded swiftly before fleeing the scene.
Commissioner Aderemi Adeoye of the Anambra Police has directed an extensive manhunt for the assailants. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Toochulwu Ikenga, disclosed that the gunmen were disguised in military fatigue.
Ikenga mentioned that a Police-led mobile Forward Operating Base, which had been on intense patrol during the Christmas celebrations, immediately responded to the incident. They recovered a Lexus SUV used by the gang, an AK-47 RIFLE belonging to one of the slain officers, and defused an improvised explosive device found in the vehicle.
According to Ikenga, during the attempt to decongest traffic gridlock, the gunmen attacked the officers who were leading the motorcade they were escorting. He added that the bandits fled after a fierce exchange of gunfire with the officers.
Commissioner Adeoye commended the tireless efforts of the personnel in securing the people of Anambra State, urging them to remain vigilant. He assured the deployment of technology to track down the criminals responsible for the attack.
While offering condolences to the families of the deceased officers and the Enugu State Police Command, Adeoye vowed that their sacrifices would not be in vain. He called for calm among the people of Anambra, encouraging them not to be fearful but to continue with their planned activities for the yuletide season.
(NAN)
