The Anambra State Government has pledged to track down and prosecute the gunmen responsible for an attack that claimed the lives of two police officers and two civilians during an ambush on a convoy in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state.
The victims were reportedly travelling along the Amansea–Awa–Ufuma Road on Sunday night when armed assailants launched the attack.
Among those in the convoy was Chief Ben Nwankwo, Chief of Staff to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who was returning to Awka after representing the governor at an official function.
While Nwankwo escaped unharmed, some civilians travelling in the convoy sustained injuries during the exchange of gunfire, which reportedly lasted several minutes.
Ambush Along Orumba North Route
According to information gathered, the convoy came under attack as it travelled through the Amansea–Awa–Ufuma corridor in Orumba North Local Government Area.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen had positioned themselves in nearby bushes before opening fire on the convoy as it approached.
The sudden attack triggered panic among residents and commuters in surrounding communities, as sustained gunfire echoed across the area.
The assailants were said to have launched the ambush without warning, leading to casualties among security personnel and civilians accompanying the convoy.
Government Condemns Attack
Reacting to the incident, the Anambra State Government described the attack as shocking and condemned the killing of the victims.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information and Value Orientation, Law Mefor, expressed the government’s condolences to the bereaved families and assured residents that security agencies were working to identify and apprehend those responsible.
“The Anambra State government is shocked by the attack on the convoy of the chief of staff to the governor on Sunday night, May 31, 2026, between 8pm and 9pm at the Orumba North–Awka South borders, while returning from an official assignment,” the statement read.
‘Attack on the Peace and Security of Anambra’
Mefor said the incident extended beyond an attack on a government official, describing it as an assault on the state’s stability and democratic institutions.
“This was more than an attack on one person. It was an attack on the peace, security, and democratic order of our state, as well as the Government and people of Anambra,” he stated.
The commissioner noted that four lives were lost in the attack and stressed that the victims deserved justice.
“Sadly, four people lost their lives and deserve justice. The Anambra State Government sends its deepest condolences to the families of those who died and share in their grief,” he added.
Security Agencies Launch Manhunt
The state government said security agencies had already commenced efforts to track down the perpetrators and ensure they face justice.
“The police and other security agencies are working to find and to bring everyone involved in this evil act to justice,” the statement said.
Mefor further assured residents that the incident would not derail ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security across the state.
“This isolated incident after more than one year of peace and security in the state will not affect our determination to remove all forms of crime from Anambra,” he added.
Renewed Focus on Security
The attack has once again drawn attention to security concerns in parts of the South-East, particularly attacks targeting government officials, security personnel and travellers.
With security agencies now investigating the incident, attention will be focused on efforts to identify the attackers, determine their motives and prevent similar attacks from occurring in the future.
The Anambra State Government has reiterated its commitment to sustaining security gains recorded over the past year while pursuing justice for the victims of the deadly ambush.
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