On Tuesday, four staff members of the United States Embassy in Nigeria on a humanitarian mission were shot dead in Anambra State. The deadly attack took place in the Amiyi/Eke Ochuche communities in Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state.
Although the reason behind the attack remains unclear, sources say the assailants ambushed and immediately gunned down the victims.
What’s more, UNICEF officials who were providing medical treatment to residents in the area were also victims of the attack. The assailants invaded the arena where some of the residents were gathered and waiting to receive medical treatment from the officials.
The UNICEF officials were on a medical outreach initiative focused on providing assistance to the rural riverine areas of the state where medical facilities are limited.
A source disclosed that “Among the victims were white and black officials who were on a medical outreach to the rural areas.”
Following the unfortunate incident, the Anambra Police Command released a statement regarding the incident. The joint security forces have embarked on a rescue/recovery operation in Ogbaru LGA, following an attack on a convoy of staff of the US Consulate today May 15, 2023 by 3:30 pm along Atani, Osamale road.
“The hoodlums murdered two of the Police Mobile Force operatives and two staff of the Consulate and set their bodies set ablaze alongside their vehicles. Also, the arsonist/murderers on sighting the responding joint security forces abducted two police operatives, the driver of the second vehicle then fled,” the statement added.
The Anambra police command expressed regret that a convoy of such initiative would enter the state without informing the police in the area or other security agencies. They also assured that the battle against the insurgents in the State is focused, and it will remain sustained until such a time security stability is fully restored.
Further details will be communicated soon.
