Soludo’s Chief of Staff escapes death as gunmen ambush convoy

Anambra State authorities have pledged to pursue and prosecute the individuals responsible for a deadly ambush that claimed the lives of two police officers and two civilians. The attack occurred on Sunday night along the Amansea–Awa–Ufuma Road in Orumba North Local Government Area.

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The Anambra State government is shocked by the attack on the convoy of the chief of staff to the governor on Sunday night, May 31, 2026, between 8pm and 9pm at the Orumba North–Awka South borders, while returning from an official assignment.

The victims were part of a convoy returning from an assignment when assailants, who had concealed themselves in a nearby bush, opened fire. The convoy included Chief Ben Nwankwo, the Chief of Staff to Governor Charles Soludo, who was representing the governor at a function. Nwankwo escaped the attack unharmed, though some civilians in the entourage sustained injuries during the ensuing gun battle.

Eyewitnesses reported that the sudden gunfire caused widespread panic in the surrounding communities. In response, the Anambra State government, through its Commissioner for Information and Value Orientation, Law Mefor, expressed profound shock and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.

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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 Anambra State government is shocked by the attack on the convoy of the chief of staff to the governor on Sunday night, May 31, 2026, between 8pm and 9pm at the Orumba North–Awka South borders, while returning from an official assignment," Mefor stated. He emphasized that the incident was "more than an attack on one person" but rather "an attack on the peace, security, and democratic order of our state, as well as the Government and people of Anambra."

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Sadly, four people lost their lives and deserve justice. The Anambra State Government sends its deepest condolences to the families of those who died and share in their grief.

Mefor assured the public that law enforcement and security agencies are actively working to identify and apprehend all involved parties. He reiterated the government's determination to eradicate crime in Anambra, despite this "isolated incident" occurring after a period of relative peace.

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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.