3 killed, security van burnt, as gunmen attack Soludo's hometown

By Okechukwu Onuegbu

Gunmen, on Thursday, attacked security checkpoint at Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area (LGA), Anambra State, setting a security vehicle on fire and allegedly killing an officer.

Isuofia, which is the hometown of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, has always been on attack since 2021 but the latest happened four months after the governor launched Operation Udo Ga-Achi comprising Agunaechemba, military and paramilitary officers. 

Eyewitnesses claimed that the attack occured at about 7pm but the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Tochukwu Ikenga while confirming the incident explained that no officer was killed but one was wounded.

According to Ikenga, two of the armed hoodlums were neutralized in the process while one of the security operational vehicles was burnt by the bandits. 

He added that the State Commissioner of Police, Dr Ikioye Orutugu has assured that the Command would apprehend the perpetrators having viewed the act as a test of the collective resolve of Ndi Anambra working with security forces to dislodge the criminal elements in the State.

"Regrettably, one of the security operatives was fatally wounded during the ensuing gun battle and due to the superior fire of the Joint security team, the criminals abandoned one of their operational vehicles, a Toyota Sienna and fled the scene. 

"Meanwhile, calm has returned to the area and security reinforced with more armed operatives currently combing nearby bushes for possible arrest of the fleeing miscreants. Further developments shall be communicated accordingly, please," he added.