Gunmen kill 2 policemen, 2 U.S. embassy officials in Anambra

Gunmen have killed two police officers and two officials of the United States Embassy in Nigeria in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.

It was gathered that the policemen and two officials of the U.S. Consulate were killed on Tuesday, May 16, after the gunmen opened fire on the convoy of the embassy officials while passing through the area.

Confirming the incident, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the assailants also set the victims’ bodies and vehicles ablaze.

Ikenga, however, stated that no U.S. citizen was in the convoy attacked by the gunmen at about 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

He added that a Joint Security Force have embarked on a rescue and recovery operation to track and arrest the gunmen.

The police spokesperson said: “Following an attack on a convoy of staff of U.S Consulate at about 3:30 p. m. along Atani, Osamale road.

“The hoodlums murdered two of the PMF operatives, and two staff of the Consulate, and set their bodies ablaze and their vehicles.

“Also, the arsonist/murderers on sighting the responding joint security forces abducted two Police operatives, the driver of the second vehicle, and took to their heels.

“No U.S. citizen was in the convoy.”

Ikenga added that the Anambra State Police Command was concerned that such officials will visit the state without recourse to the police in the area or any security agency.

He, therefore assured that the battle against insurgents in the state will be sustained until stability is fully restored.

Also confirming the incident, US Mission in Nigeria, said its personnel were collaborating with Nigerian security operatives to get to the root of the matter.

It stated: “We confirm there was an incident on May 16 in Anambra State. U.S. Mission Nigeria personnel are working with Nigerian security services to investigate.

“The security of our personnel is always paramount, and we take extensive precautions when organising trips to the field. We have no further comment at this time.”

The Star

Segun Ojo