ANAMBRA, Nigeria — Tragedy struck the small town of Umunze on Thursday, May 4, 2023, as unknown gunmen killed three police officers stationed at a checkpoint in the Nsogwu area of Orumba South local government.
The brazen attack has left the community in shock and fear, with residents describing the town as a “war zone.”
According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants drove up to the checkpoint and opened fire on the officers on duty.
As the policemen attempted to flee into a nearby compound, the gunmen pursued and fatally shot them, before taking their weapons, uniforms, and escaping in a waiting car.
“The worst has happened in Umunze just now. The security men at that checkpoint at Nsogwu have been attacked,” said an eyewitness, recounting the harrowing ordeal. “Information has it that three of the officers were gunned down. Umunze is in a war zone now!”
Anambra State’s Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident and expressed his condolences, saying, “It is an unfortunate incident and is part of the highest price security officers pay in serving the nation, but this development does not deter the police command.”
In response to the attack, Ikenga revealed that the state police command has mobilized reinforcement teams to the area and initiated a manhunt for the perpetrators.
“The reinforcement teams are already in the area, and the manhunt for the assailants is ongoing, while joint security patrols have been intensified in the area,” he said.
As the investigation into the incident unfolds, the people of Umunze anxiously await the capture of those responsible for the brutal attack and hope for a swift return to peace in their community.
