CITIZENS COMPASS —Gunmen have reportedly attacked the convoy of a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chris Uba, in Anambra State killing two policemen in the process. 

The incident occurred in the Uga, Aguata Local Government area on Thursday night while Uba and his team were in his bullet proof vehicle. 

It was gathered that the Labour Party’s governorship hopeful and former PDP governorship candidate in 2019 in the state, Valentine Ozigbo also escaped death by whiskers. 

According to a source, the vehicles in Uba’s convoy were riddled with bullets.

The source said: “We witnessed what happened. Chris Uba’s convoy ran into the men who were stationed at UGA junction, leading to a shootout.

Uba was able to escape because he was riding in a bullet proof vehicle, but the policemen were not so lucky as they were killed.

“Val Ozigbo was coming back from Owerri with members of his family when he suddenly saw a convoy driving ferociously toward his own convoy, and attempting to edge him off the road. He quickly told his driver’s to clear off the road let the other convoy pass by.

Shortly after they overtook Ozigbo, they ran into the gunmen at UGA junction who started shooting, and killed two police men. Ozigbo who parked while the incident was happening, later learnt that the convoy that was attacked was that of Uba.”

Recall that last year, another top politician in the state, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s convoy was equally attacked at Enugwu-Ukwu, Njikoka local government area, where four of his security men and two staff were killed by gunmen. 

When journalists called Chris Uba’s phone, it rang out unpicked. 

However, following serial attacks that occurred on Thursday in Aguata, the local government of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, police authorities said they had launched a man hunt for the assailants

This was revealed in a statement in Awka Friday by the police public relations officer DSP Tochukwu Ikenga and made available to reporters.

He said: “Anambra state Police Command has launched an intensive manhunt for armed insurgents who infiltrated from a neighbouring State and killed two Police Personnel on 28th December 2023 at about 18.30 hours (6.30 p.m.)

“The gang which 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.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye who had declared the weekend and Christmas holidays as special working days for all Officers and men in the Command commended all personnel for their tireless and courageous effort in securing the people of Anambra State.

“He urged them 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 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.”

—The Nation