Two police officers were killed on Sunday night when suspected gunmen ambushed a police team along the Amansea–Ndiora–Ndiukwuenu–Awa–Ufuma Road in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The officers were reportedly returning from an official assignment when the attackers, who were said to have concealed themselves in a nearby bush, opened fire on their vehicle.
The attack triggered panic among residents and commuters in communities along the road as gunshots echoed through the area.
An eyewitness and tricycle operator, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he narrowly escaped the incident after hearing sustained gunfire while returning from a trip to Ezira community.
“The incident happened at night. I was on my way back from a journey when I suddenly heard gunshots. I immediately turned back and sought safety,” he said.
“After the shooting stopped, I continued my journey and got to the scene where I found two police officers lying lifeless on the road.”
A video circulating on social media showed the bodies of the slain officers beside their patrol vehicle, while a voice in the background appealed to security authorities to intervene.
Re making, The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, said the officers came under attack while returning from duty.
“A team of police officers was returning from an assignment when armed men ambushed them and opened fire. Sadly, we lost two officers in the attack,” he said.
According to the police commissioner, the command has launched an intensive manhunt for the perpetrators and is pursuing all available leads to bring them to justice.
He added that he would visit the scene to assess the situation and work with security personnel on measures aimed at preventing similar attacks.
Orutugu also advised motorists and residents to be vigilant and avoid unauthorised checkpoints not manned by identifiable police personnel or official police vehicles.
“Members of the public should exercise caution whenever they encounter suspicious checkpoints. They should alert the nearest police formation or contact the police immediately for assistance,” he said.