Gunmen launched an attack on the convoy of Chris Uba, a prominent political figure in Anambra State, at Uga junction in his hometown in Aguata Local Government Area.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday night, resulted in a fatal gun battle that claimed the lives of two police officers from the Enugu State Police Command and two others.
Although the gunmen’s attempt to kidnap the politician was unsuccessful, it remains uncertain whether anyone in the convoy was abducted.
Anambra State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the event, revealing that the assailants, dressed in military uniforms, evaded capture, but law enforcement is actively pursuing them.
The statement read, “The gang, which was disguised in military fatigue and seemed to be on a kidnap mission, were jolted on seeing two armed police officers approaching their direction.
“They opened fire on the officers who had moved ahead of the convoy they were escorting to decongest traffic gridlock. Other personnel returned fire, careful not to hit many motorists who were in traffic, forcing the bandits to flee.
“Police-led Mobile Forward Operating Base, which had been on intensive patrol of the entire area throughout Christmas celebrations, promptly responded to the scene.
“It recovered a Lexus SUV the gang operated with and defused an improvised explosive device found in the vehicle. It also recovered an AK-47 Rifle belonging to one of the slain personnel. ”
He said the state’s commissioner of police, Aderemi Adeoye, however, urged officers not to be demoralised by the supreme price paid by their colleagues from the Enugu command but should draw inspiration from their bravery.
“The CP has condoled with the families of the deceased officers and Enugu State Police Command and vowed that the personnel will not die in vain, “ said Mr Ikenga.
