No US citizen was murdered in Anambra attack,  says Police 

…as two arrested over attack

Felix Oti, Awka.

Anambra State Police Command has confirmed that no US citizen was harmed in a recent attack that took place in Anambra State on Tuesday.

www.odogwublog.com reported that four staff members of the US Embassy in Nigeria were shot dead during an ambush in the Amiyi/Eke Ochuche communities of Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state.

Addressing a press briefing, Thursday, at the Anambra State Police Headquarters, Amawbia, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Echeng  Echeng, said no US citizen was harmed in the attack.

According to him, seven persons made up of three of the consulate officials and the four Mobile Police escorts were murdered during the attack, while two other officials of the consulate are yet to be found. 

He disclosed that the deceased police officers include: Inspr. Bukar Adams; Inspr. Friday Morgan; Inspr. Adam Andrew and Inspr. Emmanuel Lupata, all of Squadron 23, Police Mobile Force, Lagos. It needs reiteration that no US citizen was amongst the casualties.

USAID authorities also disclosed that the five (5) of their staff and the four policemen who were involved in the attack are as follows: 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).

Speaking further, Echeng said two persons in connection to the attack and killing of the two US Consulate officials in the state have been arrested.

He said the suspects were arrested during a raid of the hoodlums’ camp adding that they were assisting police in their investigations.

He added that the suspects’ contacts were traced through their phone conversation, while the command was gradually closing in on the killers.

According to CP, the deceased remains have all been recovered and deposited, while efforts were on to find and rescue the missing officials.

He said: “As you are probably aware, a team of officials from the Lagos Consulate of the United States of America and their police escorts (USA) were ambushed on 16/05/2023.

“Consequently, a joint team of Mobile Policemen and troops of the Nigerian Navy stationed in Onitsha was immediately deployed to the area. Upon arrival at the scene of the incident, the joint security team sighted and engaged the assailants in a shot-out but they escaped through a nearby forest.

“Yesterday, 17/05/2023, 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 Ogwuaniocha 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.”