Hoodlums have reportedly attacked the vehicle of the Chief of Staff to Anambra State Governor, Ben Nwankwo, along the Amansea–Ufuma Road in Anambra State.
Two police officers are feared to have been killed during the attack, which occurred on Sunday night.
Nwankwo escaped unhurt in the incident.
Following the attack, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, issued a 48-hour ultimatum to police formations and operational units across the state to track down and arrest those responsible.
The directive was given during an emergency security meeting held at the State Police Command Headquarters, where senior officers and heads of tactical units were briefed on the incident.
Orutugu described the attack as a direct challenge to the authority of the state and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice.
“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,” he said.
The police commissioner warned that criminals would no longer be allowed to take advantage of darkness to carry out violent attacks in the state.
“This kind of killing cannot happen under my watch. We must bring the perpetrators to justice and put an end to their activities,” the CP added.
Orutugu also raised concerns about new tactics being used by criminals. According to him, intelligence reports indicate that some attackers now disguise themselves in police and military uniforms to avoid detection.
He urged residents to remain alert, especially when travelling on roads considered vulnerable to attacks.
The commissioner specifically advised motorists and commuters using the Amansea–Ufuma Road to exercise caution, describing the route as isolated and increasingly targeted by criminal groups.
“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.
Orutugu assured residents that the police command remains committed to restoring normalcy and protecting lives and property across the state.
He added that intelligence-led operations had already begun and expressed confidence that those behind the attack would be arrested within the 48-hour deadline.
