Anambra – Two US Embassy Staff were on Tuesday killed by unknown gunmen in Anambra State, South East Nigeria.
The staff were among four people said to have been killed in a convoy of vehicles trying to connect their destination through Ogbaru to another community in the state.
The staff were said to be on humanitarian mission when they came under heavy attack by unknown gunmen.
DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the state Police Command Public Relations Officer confirmed the incident.
“Following the information of the shooting incident within Ogbaru community, the Commissioner of Police , CP Echeng Echeng has deployed a police team led by the deputy commissioner of police in charge of operations to arrest the situation.
“Meanwhile, the details of the incident are still sketchy.
“I will get back to you as soon as I can, please,” Ikenga said without given further details.
However, a security , source said “at least four persons were killed in the attack while others sustained injuries.
“Troops have taken over the community,” the security source said.
The US Mission in Nigeria has also confirmed the Tuesday killing of some of its staff in Anambra State by unknown gunmen.
Its said the embassy is collaborating with Nigerian security operatives to get to the roots of the matter.
“We confirm there was an incident on May 16 in Anambra State.
“U.S. Mission Nigeria personnel are working with Nigerian security services to investigate.
“The security of our personnel is always paramount, and we take extensive precautions when organizing trips to the field.
“We have no further comment at this time,” a US Mission Nigeria spokesperson said in response to inquiry
Anambra is one of the South Eastern States with high level of violence in recent times.
Security operatives have blamed attacks on the outlawed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN), its armed wing, but the group has repeatedly denied the allegation.
Many lives have been lost in the campaign of violence launched by deadly groups operating under the guise of “unknown gunmen”.
Commenting on the rising insecurity in his state, Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra said eight Local Government Areas were under siege by hoodlums when he assumed office.
Speaking at the presidential villa, Abuja, during the induction organised by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum for Governors-elect, Soludo said governors need a strong and independent security system to tackle insecurity in their domains. (Daily Trust /vitalnewsngr.com)
