Anastasia Okechukwu ReportingÂ
The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has condemned the attack on the staff of the US Embassy by gunmen along Atani-Osamala Road, Ogbaru Local Government Area.
Gunmen had on Tuesday attack a convoy of the United States Embassy and killed two of it’s employees and two police officers.
Reacting, the Governor in a press release issued on Wednesday by Christian Aburime, Soludo’s press secretary, sent his sincere sympathies to the dead families and organizations, particularly the US Embassy, over the deaths of their employees and police officers.
He, therefore, appealed to anybody who knew the names or whereabouts of the culprits to call its secure security phone numbers or any of the security agencies because they would receive a big reward while investigations were ongoing.
The statement reads, “On behalf of the government and great people of Anambra State, the Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, expresses deep condolences to the bereaved families and organisations, particularly the US Embassy, over the death of their staff and policemen who were attacked by gunmen along Atani-Osamala Road, Ogbaru Local Government Area on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, while they were on a mission in Anambra State.
“We strongly condemn the heinous and unprovoked attack. Over the last year, we have worked very hard with our gallant security forces to massively degrade criminality and restore law and order. We can proudly assert that Anambra is currently one of the safest states in Nigeria.
“Only two weeks ago, the dreaded and notorious criminal gang leader operating mostly in a neighbouring state was gunned down with four of his team members when they made an incursion into Anambra and recovered huge deadly weapons. The criminals are largely on the run or feeling the heat of our zero tolerance to criminality.
“This incident in a remote riverine community in Ogbaru local government is a reminder that patches of these criminal gangs can still unleash senseless and murderous acts.”
It added that whatever the identity or motive of the attackers, the state government will actively work with the security agencies to smoke out the criminals and bring them to justice.
“We assure our residents and visitors of our continued commitment to law and order. If anything, this incident has emboldened our drive.”