Gunmen attack Chris Uba’s convoy, 2 policemen, others killed

By Abiodun OBA

On Thursday night gunmen attacked the convoy of Chief Chris Uba at Uga junction, Aguata local government area, Anambra State his hometown.

The State Police command confirmed that two policemen were killed, although the operatives were from the Enugu State command.

It was gathered that Uba’s convoy ran into the gunmen at Uga junction leading to a gun battle between them and the police.

According to a source, Uba was able to escape because his car was bulletproof but during the shooting, four persons, including two policemen, were killed.

It was also learnt that the gunmen aimed to kidnap the politician but did not succeed and it was not clear if the gunmen succeeded in kidnapping anybody in the convoy.

Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement, said: “The command has launched an intensive manhunt for armed insurgents who infiltrated from a neighbouring state and killed two police personnel on 28th December 2023.

“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.”

According to the PPRO, the state Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye, has urged the police not to be demoralized by the supreme price paid by their colleagues from Enugu State command, but to draw inspiration from their bravery in confronting the criminal gang.

He added: “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.

“He has urged all officers and men of Anambra State Police Command to redouble their efforts and remain vigilant. He assured that technology would be employed to track down the criminals who unleashed the attack on Police personnel.”