CP Issues 48-Hour Ultimatum to Track Down Attackers
AWKA — Suspected hoodlums have attacked the convoy of the Chief of Staff to Anambra State Governor, Dr. Ben Nwankwo, along the Amansea–Ufuma Road, killing two police officers attached to the convoy.
Dr. Nwankwo reportedly escaped unhurt during the attack, which occurred on Sunday night, while the slain officers were said to have died in a gun battle with the assailants.
Reacting to the incident, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to all police formations and operational units in the state to identify, apprehend and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The directive was handed down during an emergency security meeting at the State Police Command Headquarters in Awka, attended by senior officers and heads of tactical units.
Describing the attack as a direct assault on state authority and security agencies, Orutugu vowed that those responsible would not escape justice.
“I want you to fish out the attackers and the killers of our officers. I demand immediate action to apprehend those responsible for this heinous act. I want results. The people of Anambra State must know that the police are fully in charge and ready to protect them,” the Commissioner of Police declared.
He stressed that criminal elements would no longer be allowed to operate under the cover of darkness to unleash violence on innocent citizens and security personnel.
“This kind of killing cannot happen under my watch. We must bring the perpetrators to justice and put an end to their activities,” he added.
The police commissioner also raised concerns over emerging criminal tactics in the state, revealing that intelligence reports indicate some armed groups now disguise themselves in police and military uniforms to evade detection and carry out attacks.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and security-conscious, particularly while travelling along routes known to be vulnerable to criminal activities.
Orutugu specifically warned motorists and commuters using the Amansea–Ufuma Road to exercise caution, describing the corridor as increasingly susceptible to ambushes by criminal gangs.
“The Amansea–Ufuma Road is a particularly isolated route. Commuters and members of the public should exercise caution while using the road, as it has, in recent times, become a den of criminal elements,” he said.
Assuring residents of the command’s commitment to restoring peace and security across the state, the police chief disclosed that intelligence-led operations were already underway and expressed confidence that those behind the attack would be apprehended within the 48-hour deadline.
The attack has heightened security concerns in parts of Anambra State, with residents calling for intensified patrols and stronger measures to tackle violent crime along major road corridors.
