2 policemen killed during attack on Governor Soludo's Chief of Staff's convoy, *CP gives 48-hr ultimatum to arrest attackers

By Madu Obi

Two policemen were feared dead when suspected hoodlums attacked the convoy of the Chief of Staff to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Dr Ben Nwankwo along the Amansea - Ufuma road.

Dr Nwankwo was not hurt during the attack that reportedly took place on Sunday night.

The state Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has already issued a 48-hour ultimatum to all police formations and operational units to track down and arrest the attackers.

The CP gave the directive during an emergency security meeting held at the State Police Command Headquarters where senior officers and heads of operational units were briefed on the urgency of the situation.

Orutugu described the assault as a direct attack on the authority of the state and vowed that it would not go unanswered.

“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 CP said.

According to him, criminal elements would no longer be allowed to exploit the cover of night to carry out violent attacks in the state, adding, “This kind of killing cannot happen under my watch. We must bring the perpetrators to justice and put an end to their activities."

He stressed that he would not remain silent while officers under his command continued to lose their lives in the line of duty, insisting that the slain officers must be avenged through swift operational action.

Orutugu also raised concerns over emerging criminal tactics, noting that intelligence reports indicated that some attackers now disguise themselves in police and military uniforms to carry out illicit operations and urged the general public to be vigilant.

The CP further cautioned motorists and commuters using the Amansea–Ufuma Road, describing it as a vulnerable and isolated route that has increasingly become a hotspot for criminal ambushes.

“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.

CP Orutugu, however, reassured residents of the state that the Command remains fully committed and operationally prepared to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.

He expressed confidence that decisive breakthroughs would be achieved within the 48-hour window, noting that intensified intelligence-led operations had already commenced.