Anambra State in Nigeria, a recent wave of violence has left a tragic scar. On the morning of October 3, 2024, two police operatives lost their lives in a shocking ambush. According to eyewitness accounts, a group of unidentified gunmen targeted the police officers as they were conducting an investigation in Uruagu, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The surprise attack led to a fierce gun battle, and in a devastating turn of events, the attackers hurled an improvised explosive device at the police team. The detonation claimed the lives of two officers on the spot. A source close to the incident reported that “during the exchange of gunfire, the hoodlums tossed an IED at the operatives, and it detonated, killing two of them on the spot.”
Confirming the tragic incident, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, announced a manhunt for the perpetrators. “The Joint Security Force has launched a manhunt for the armed men responsible for the murder of two police operatives during an investigation operation early this morning, October 3, 2024, at Uruagu, Nnewi North,” Ikenga emphasized.
In a statement, Ikenga expressed the police command’s commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice, assuring the public that the officers were lost in the line of duty while conducting an investigation operation. Preliminary reports suggest that the attackers opened fire on sighting the police team, throwing an improvised explosive device into their operational vehicle, which subsequently caught fire.
The police commander appealed to the public, especially eyewitnesses, to assist with any relevant information that could aid the ongoing operation. “We appeal to the public, particularly those who witnessed the incident, to support the police by providing information that could help in tracking down the criminals,” Ikenga said. Contact information has been made available for anyone with information that could lead to the successful apprehension of the assailants.
The recent attacks in Anambra State have raised concerns about the safety and security of civilians and law enforcement personnel in the region. The loss of life in this heinous act has left families and colleagues devastated. It is imperative that those responsible for this tragic incident be brought to justice and that measures be taken to ensure the protection of lives and property in Anambra State.
