Anambra State Police Command has confirmed that two of its officers were injured when operatives of the command on Sunday morning foiled an attempted abduction of a foreigner by gunmen suspected to be secessionist members.
The Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who made this known in a statement made available to journalists in Awka, the state capital, on Monday, said the incident occurred in Ogbunka village, in the Orumba South Local Government Area of the state.
The police spokesperson said the operatives recovered four bodies of alleged cultists, adding that the command has commenced an investigation into a suspected ritual killing.
Ikenga said the police operatives engaged the armed hoodlums in a gun battle and saved the VIP (Very Important Person).
He, however, added that unfortunately, during the gun duel, two police personnel were hit by bullets but managed to escape with the foreigner.
Ikenga, who disclosed that the injured police officers are stable and currently receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital in the state, added that operations are ongoing in the area for the possible arrest of the armed men.
“Also, police operatives attached to Nimo Police Station responded to a distress call on 6/10/2024 by 8:25 pm of a suspected cult clash at Umuka, Nawfia, the Police spokesperson said.
He said, “The operatives upon arriving at the scene, found four lifeless bodies of young men in a pool of blood with suspected multiple gunshot injuries lying on the road.
“The victims were confirmed dead by a doctor on duty and have been deposited to the morgue.
“They were later identified as one Ebuka Nwaonkwube Ekenta of Mmimi village Nawfia, Nnatuanya Junior, aka Starboy of Mmimi village Nawfia, Aniemena, aka Osama of Umuariam Village and one Ahmed Auwal.
“Information from eyewitnesses and some villagers reveal that the victims are known for their nefarious activities and are always in rivalry with another cult group in the area.
“Furthermore, Joint patrol with operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad (SPACS) has been intensified in the area.”
He said that in another development, “The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, has ordered immediate investigations into the gruesome murder of a 17-year-old girl suspected of being used for ritual purpose.
“The girl’s lifeless body was found in a bush at Omasi village on 6/10/2024 by 4:25 pm and she was later identified as one Chinasa Adigwe from Umueje village and her private parts were cut off in a bush at Omasi Village before Police were alerted.
“The body has been recovered and deposited in a morgue.
“The CP while condoling with the family, friends and community of the deceased states that the police shall do everything possible to make sure that those behind the barbaric act are arrested and justice served.”
