Gunmen have reportedly launched a deadly attack on the Umunze Police Station in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, killing two policemen on duty.
The state Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the incident, which occurred on Monday, 16th September 2024, stated that the bodies of the deceased officers have been recovered and taken to the mortuary.
TheFact Daily notes that this incident marks the second major attack on a police facility in Anambra State within a fortnight, when hoodlums bombed the Divisional Police Station in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of the state. This raises concerns about escalating violence and insecurity in the region.
According to Ikenga, “a joint security force has been deployed to track down the perpetrators,” even as “five unexploded improvised explosives were recovered from the scene.”
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers used improvised explosives and opened fire, setting a section of the station ablaze. The two officers were attempting to resist the attackers when they were shot.
Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam, visited the scene for a spot assessment and reassessment of security deployment. He appealed to the public to come forward with any information that could aid the investigation, promising utmost confidentiality.
Reacting to the attack, House of Representatives member Princess Chinwe Nnabuife described it as “senseless” and expressed condolences to the families of the slain officers.
“My office is working tirelessly with relevant federal government security agencies to address the security challenges facing Umunze and Orumba,” Nnabuife said. “We are committed to ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice and measures are put in place to prevent future incidents.”
She urged the community to remain calm and vigilant and to cooperate with security agencies in their efforts to restore peace and order.
