Two officers were killed on Sunday night when gunmen ambushed a police patrol team along the Awa-Ndiukwuenu-Ufuma Road in Anambra State.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants opened fire on the officers, leaving two of them dead at the scene.
A commercial tricycle operator who claimed to have witnessed the incident said he was travelling along the road when he suddenly heard gunshots ahead.
According to him, he abandoned his tricycle and ran into a nearby bush for safety
“After some time, I returned, picked up my tricycle and continued my journey.
“When I got to the scene, I saw two policemen lying on the road and a police vehicle parked by the roadside,” he said in a voice note.
The witness said he decided to alert the public because he believed one of the officers might still have been alive and could require urgent assistance.
Confirming the incident, Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP. Ikioye Orutugu, said the officers were attacked while returning from an assignment.
“A team of police officers were returning from an assignment when they were ambushed by gunmen who opened fire on them. In the process, we lost two officers,” Orutugu said.
The CP noted that the command had commenced investigations into the attack and intensified efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible.
The commissioner added that he would visit the scene of the incident to assess the situation and work with security personnel on measures to forestall similar attacks in the state.
Orutugu also advised motorists and residents to exercise caution and avoid unauthorised checkpoints not manned by identifiable police personnel and official police vehicles.
“Whenever you approach a checkpoint without police vehicles or clear police identification, you should exercise caution.
“Either turn back and alert the nearest police formation or immediately contact the police for assistance,” he said.
The police commissioner assured residents that the command remained committed to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property across the state.
