Anambra CP orders personnel to fish out killers of 2 officers, others within 48 hours

By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha

Irked by the unexpected killing of two police officers and yet to be ascertained number of civilians along Amansea/Ufuma road last Sunday by armed criminals who laid ambush at about 8.30 pm, the Anambra State Police Commissioner, CP Ikioye Orutucu, has ordered the police personnel in the state to fish out the killers within 48 hours.

Recall that the incident occurred when the Chief of Staff to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Ben Nwankwo, in company of his security details , crewmen and others, was returning from a function where he represented the governor, when the armed criminals opened fire at their convoy, killing two policemen and some civilians yet to be identified.

The CP issued the order on Monday during an emergency security meeting with senior police officers and heads of operations at the command headquarters.

He demanded swift action, stressing that such an attack on security personnel would not be tolerated under his leadership.

His words, “I want you to fish out the attackers and the k!llers 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.

He insisted that the slain officers must get justice, adding that he cannot remain silent while police personnel continue to lose their lives at the hands of criminals.

“I hereby declare ‘Operation Fish Them Out.’ Criminals cannot continue to take advantage of the night to unleash violence 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,” he ordered.

The CP also urged members of the public to be vigilant and cautious of individuals posing as security personnel at checkpoints.

He noted that investigations had revealed that some criminal elements now operate while dressed in police and military uniforms.

“The general public is hereby advised to be vigilant concerning persons operating at various checkpoints, as some miscreants now wear security uniforms while carrying out criminal activities,” he said..

The police commissioner further warned motorists and commuters to exercise caution while travelling along the Amansea-Ufuma Road, describing it as a lonely stretch that has recently become a haven for criminal activities.

“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 added.

Orutugu, however, reassured residents that the command remains committed, prepared, and battle-ready to guarantee the safety of lives and property across Anambra State.

He expressed confidence that significant breakthroughs would be achieved within the next 48 hours.