By Emeka Chiaghanam
Hon. Ben Nwankwo, the Chief of Staff to Anambra State
Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, narrowly escaped death after gunmen ambushed
his convoy along the Amansea-Ufuma Road, leaving two police officers dead and
triggering a major manhunt by the state police command.
The deadly attack happened on Sunday night as Nwankwo was
returning to Awka after representing Governor Soludo at an official event.
Reports indicate that armed men struck at about 8:30 p.m., targeting the convoy
and other travellers using the road at the time.
While Nwankwo escaped without injury, two police officers
attached to the convoy lost their lives in the attack. Several other road users
were also reportedly caught up in the violence, with casualties recorded during
the incident.
Sources said the Chief of Staff survived largely because of
the quick thinking and swift response of his official driver, who managed to
steer him away from danger as the attack unfolded.
The killings have sparked an immediate response from the
Anambra State Police Command.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP
Ikioye Orutugu, summoned an emergency meeting with senior officers and
operational commanders at the state police headquarters on Monday. At the
meeting, he issued a firm directive ordering security teams across the state to
track down those responsible within 48 hours.
The police chief made it clear that the attack on security
personnel would not go unanswered, insisting that the officers who lost their
lives must get justice.
According to him, the command has launched a special
operation aimed at identifying, locating and arresting everyone connected to
the ambush. He stressed that criminals would no longer be allowed to exploit
darkness and isolated locations to carry out attacks on innocent citizens and
security operatives.
Orutugu expressed confidence that investigators and tactical
units would make significant progress within the next two days, assuring
residents that the command remains fully committed to protecting lives and
property across the state.
He also used the opportunity to warn members of the public
to be extra careful when approaching checkpoints or encountering individuals claiming
to be security personnel.
The commissioner said intelligence reports had revealed that
some criminal groups now disguise themselves in police and military uniforms
while carrying out illegal activities, making it important for residents to
remain alert and report suspicious behaviour.
Special attention was also drawn to the Amansea-Ufuma Road,
where the attack occurred. Orutugu described the route as a particularly lonely
stretch that has recently witnessed increasing criminal activity.
He advised motorists, commuters and other road users to
exercise caution while travelling through the area, especially at night, until
security operations in the corridor are strengthened.
The attack has once again raised concerns about security on
some roads in Anambra State, particularly routes that have become targets for
armed gangs.
As police intensify their search for the gunmen, residents
are waiting to see whether the promised crackdown will lead to arrests and
bring those responsible for the killings to justice. For now, the focus remains
on tracking down the attackers and restoring confidence among travellers using
the affected route.
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