Gunmen attack convoy of Soludo’s chief of staff, kill police officers, others

Anambra State in Nigeria's southeast is grappling with escalating insecurity after gunmen ambushed and killed four individuals, including two police officers and two staff members, accompanying the convoy of the state's newly appointed Chief of Staff, Ben Nwankwo. The attack occurred around 9 p.m. on Sunday along a road in the Orumba South Local Area.

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This was more than an attack on one person. It was an attack on the peace, security, and democratic order of our state, as well as the government and people of Anambra.

The assailants reportedly laid an ambush before opening fire on the convoy. The slain police officers were part of the security detail assigned to protect the chief of staff, while the other two victims were officials attached to his office. Nwankwo himself was reportedly inside the convoy during the attack but was unharmed.

In response, the Anambra State Government expressed shock and outrage. Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, stated that the attack was not just on an individual but on the state's peace, security, and democratic order. He assured that security agencies are actively working to apprehend those responsible for the "evil act" and bring them to justice. The government also extended condolences to the families of the victims.

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Sadly, four people lost their lives and deserve justice.

The incident highlights the deteriorating security situation in Anambra and the broader southeast region of Nigeria, which has seen a rise in attacks targeting security operatives, government officials, and facilities. While no group has claimed responsibility for this specific attack, the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has frequently been blamed for similar incidents in the region, though the group consistently denies involvement. IPOB advocates for the secession of the southeast from Nigeria.

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The police and other security agencies are working to find and to bring everyone involved in this evil act to justice.