Anambra Police Commissioner narrates how IPOB killed US Embassy staff in ambush
Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Echeng Echeng, has provided an account of the ambush carried out by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), resulting in the tragic deaths of United States Embassy staff.
The commissioner shared details of the incident during a press briefing, shedding light on the attack.
According to Echeng, the event unfolded on Tuesday, in Ogbaru Local Government Area.
He said a team of officials from the United States Embassy, accompanied by police escorts, were travelling along the Atani/Osamela Road when they were suddenly ambushed by suspected IPOB militants and their armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Echeng disclosed that three members of the US Embassy staff and four police officers tragically lost their lives during the ambush. The attack took place between noon and 2 pm, leaving a profound impact on the local community and sending shockwaves throughout the nation.
The Anambra State Police Command, he added, swiftly responded to the distressing incident, having received information about the attack through an official of the US Embassy at approximately 3:30 pm.
A joint team comprising Mobile Policemen and Nigerian Navy troops stationed in Onitsha was immediately deployed to the area to confront the assailants, he added.
Upon reaching the scene, the courageous joint security team engaged the heavily armed attackers in a fierce shootout. Despite their valiant efforts, the perpetrators managed to escape through a nearby forest, evading capture.
Echeng said: “Yesterday – 17th of May, joint security forces comprising police tactical teams from the command and troops of the Nigerian Army as well as the Nigerian Navy raided a camp in Ugwuaneocha community of Ogbaru LGA, which was suspected to be the hideout of the assailants, but discovered that it had been deserted.
“Two persons of interest were arrested and they currently assisting the police in the investigation.
“The criminal camp was razed down by the joint security team.
“The preliminary investigation conducted by the command, following the incident, revealed that five male officials of the USA consulate and four armed Mobile Police escorted from Lagos on a mission to assess the impact of erosion in Ogbaru LGA were travelling in a convoy of two vehicles when they suddenly came under attack by armed men who targeted them with gunfire and set their vehicles ablaze.
“Regrettably, seven persons, including three of the consulate officials and four Mobile Police escorts, were murdered during the attack while two other officials of the consulate are yet to be found.
“The deceased police officers: Inspector Bukar Adams, Inspector Friday Morgan, Inspector Adam Andrew and Inspector Emmanuel Lupata, all of Squadron 23, Police Mobile Force, Lagos.
“No USA citizen was amongst the casualties.
“Information from the USAID authority disclosed that five of their staff and four policemen were involved in the attack are: Jefferson Obayuwane (RTD DSS personnel) Sunday Prince Ubong, Ekene Nweke, Hassan Etila, Avwuvie Kaye Monday, Bukar . A. Kabuiki – (Police) Emmanuel Lukpata – (Police) Friday Morgan – (Police) and Adamu Andrew – (Police).
“The remains of the deceased persons have all been recovered and deposited in a morgue while the state police command and other security agencies are working round-the-clock, in concert with the Government of Anambra State, to find and rescue the missing officials.
“In this regard, I call on members of the public who can provide information about the identities and locations of the culprits, to kindly assist the police with such information timeously.
“On behalf of the Anambra State Police Command, I wish to seize this opportunity to condole the families and friends of the deceased persons as well as the USA Consul over this tragic incident.
“May I assure you all of the resolve and determination of the command and other security agencies to track down the perpetrators of these heinous crimes and bring them to justice.”
