Unidentified gunmen launched an early morning assault on the Umunze Police Station in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State on Monday, leaving two police officers dead and parts of the station ablaze.
According to The PUNCH, the attackers stormed the station at dawn, shooting into the air before forcing their way into the facility. Eyewitnesses said the gunfire woke residents, creating panic in the neighborhood.
One eyewitness recounted the incident, saying, “The masked attackers fired several rounds into the air as they approached the station’s entrance.
The entire attack happened quickly. They shot and injured some officers and managed to set parts of the building on fire before the police repelled the attack in a gunfight.”
It was reported that the assailants fled the scene after an exchange of gunfire with officers on duty. Improvised explosive devices were used to ignite parts of the station.
This incident marks the second attack on a police facility in the state within a month.
In August, gunmen attacked the Oba Police Divisional Headquarters in Idemili South Local Government Area, killing a police corporal and injuring several others, before setting the station on fire.
Anambra State Police Command spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the attack in a statement, revealing that the police, alongside other security agencies, are actively pursuing the gunmen.
“The Joint Security Forces, including the Police, Army, Navy, and Civil Defence, recovered five unexploded improvised explosives at the scene. Unfortunately, two of our officers on duty were killed while trying to fend off the attackers. Their bodies have been moved to the morgue,” Ikenga said.
He also stated that the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Itam, had visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation and urged residents to provide any information that could aid the investigation.
“We assure anyone who comes forward with information of utmost confidentiality,” Ikenga added.
