The Chief of Staff to Anambra State Governor, Dr. Ben Nwankwo, narrowly escaped death after armed men attacked his convoy along the Amansea–Ufuma Road in the state.
The attack, which occurred on Sunday night, reportedly left two police officers attached to the convoy dead. Dr. Nwankwo was said to have escaped without injuries.
The incident has triggered a major security response across the state, with the Anambra State Police Command launching an intensive manhunt for those behind the attack.
In response to the killing of the officers, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, directed all operational and tactical units of the command to immediately track down the assailants. He issued a 48-hour deadline for the arrest of those responsible.
The directive was handed down during an emergency security meeting held at the State Police Command Headquarters. Senior officers and heads of various formations were instructed to intensify intelligence gathering and coordinated operations aimed at bringing the attackers to justice.
Condemning the incident, Orutugu described the attack as a serious challenge to the authority of the state and a direct assault on security personnel carrying out their lawful duties.
“I want you to fish out the attackers and the killers of our officers. I demand immediate action to apprehend those responsible for this heinous act. I want results. The people of Anambra State must know that the police are fully in charge and ready to protect them,” he said.
The police commissioner stressed that the command would not tolerate continued attacks on security operatives or innocent citizens. He assured residents that every available resource would be deployed to identify and arrest those involved.
“This kind of killing cannot happen under my watch. We must bring the perpetrators to justice and put an end to their activities,” the CP added.
Orutugu also raised concerns over new tactics allegedly being adopted by criminal groups operating in parts of the state. According to him, intelligence reports indicate that some attackers now disguise themselves in military and police uniforms to avoid suspicion and gain access to their targets.
He urged members of the public to remain alert and report suspicious movements to security agencies.
The commissioner particularly warned commuters travelling through the Amansea–Ufuma Road corridor to exercise caution, describing the route as one that has recently witnessed increasing criminal activities.
“The Amansea–Ufuma Road is a particularly isolated route. Commuters and members of the public should exercise caution while using the road, as it has, in recent times, become a den of criminal elements,” he said.
Meanwhile, security operatives have commenced intelligence-led operations in the area as efforts intensify to identify and apprehend the gunmen.
Residents have also been assured that the police command remains committed to restoring confidence and strengthening security across the state.
