Gunmen attack Chris Uba’s convoy, murder two security personnel

The self-described “godfather” of Anambra politics, Chief Chris Uba, was allegedly the target of gunmen’s attack on his convoy last night.

Two police officers who were associated with the politician were slain as gunshots flew into the convoy’s cars, according to a source. Information also surfaced that Mr. Val Ozigbo, a prominent member of the Labour Party and another politician, barely avoided the attack.

“We saw what happened,” the insider stated. A gunfight broke out when Chris Uba’s truck collided with the men positioned at UGA intersection.

“The fact that Uba was travelling in a bulletproof car allowed him to escape, but the police officers were not so fortunate and were slain.

“Val Ozigbo was returning from Owerri with his family when he saw a convoy approaching his own convoy fiercely and making an attempt to push him off the road.” His driver was immediately instructed to move off the road so that the other convoy could pass.

“The militants at the UGA junction opened fire on them just after they passed Ozigbo, killing two police officers. After the incident, Ozigbo, who had parked nearby, discovered that Uba’s convoy had been attacked.

We found out that the men wanted to take the politician hostage. It was unclear whether any people had been abducted despite reports of numerous injuries.

A manhunt has been initiated by police authorities for the attackers, according to a news release issued by DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesperson for the state police command.

In a press statement, it was said that “Anambra State Police Command has launched an intensive manhunt for armed insurgents who killed two police personnel on December 28, 2023, at approximately 18.30 hours (6.30 p.m.), after they infiltrated from a neighbouring State.”

The two armed police officers who were approaching the group, who were dressed in military fatigues and appeared to be on a kidnapping expedition, startled them. To clear the traffic jam, they opened fire on the cops who had moved ahead of the convoy they were escorting. In an attempt to drive the criminals away, other personnel fired fire while being cautious not to hit too many passing cars.

The situation was swiftly attended to by a police-led mobile Forward Operating Base, which had been conducting rigorous patrols around the area during the Christmas festivities.

The group used a Lexus SUV, which was recovered, and an IED that was discovered inside the car was neutralised. It also found an AK-47 rifle that belonged to one of the killed employees.

“All personnel were commended for their brave and unwavering efforts in securing the people of Anambra State,” said Commissioner of Police CP Aderemi Adeoye, who had designated the weekend and Christmas holidays as special working days for all officers and men in the Command.

He advised them to take courage from their colleagues’ bravery in taking on the criminal gang instead of letting the high price paid by them discourage them.

“He expressed his condolences to the Enugu State Police Command and the families of the fallen officers, promising that their deaths would not be in vain.

The Anambra State Police Command’s officers and men have been asked by him to step up their efforts and maintain their vigilance. He promised that the culprits who launched the attack on police officers would be found using technology.