Gunmen Attack Prison Van, Kill Two Warders In Anambra

Some yet to be identified gunmen on Friday, March 19 killed at least two warders in Anambra State.

Residents of the Ekwulobia community of Aguata Local Government Area today were gripped with fear as two different attacks were carried out by the gunmen in the area.

Naija News reported earlier that armed men attacked Ekwulobia Police station in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State. The affected police station was said to be among police offices razed during the October #EndSARS crisis but it was renovated recently.

There were claims that two people got killed in the attack. The spokesperson of the Anambra State police command, DSP Ikenganyia Tochukwu, while speaking on the incident noted that the policemen responded swiftly and chased the hoodlums away.

However, a few moments later, gunmen again attacked and open fire on a vehicle conveying some suspects to court in Anambra state.

The PUNCH reports that at least two officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service were killed in the attack.

The Public Relations Officer of Anambra State Command of the Nigeria Correctional Centre, Mr Francis Ekezie who confirmed the attack to newsmen said the Command was devastated by the story of the attack.

He said, “Gunmen yet to be identified attacked the court duty vehicle of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Anambra State at Nanka while conveying inmates back from court to the Aguata custodial centre.

“The attackers killed the Corrections officer and whisked away the inmate being taken back to the Custodial Centre.

Ekezie explained further that the gun duel which lasted for about 10 minutes was carried out by by suspected hoodlums in two vehicles, “a sienna bus and a Hilux pick-up that trailed the court duty Vehicle from the court premises,” 

“Although the armed escort put up a gallant resistance, he was unfortunately overpowered by the hoodlums who came in their numbers with sophisticated weapons,” he noted.

Ekezie added that “The body of the fallen officer has been deposited in the mortuary awaiting further necessary action.

“The state Controller, Nwakeze Emmanuel, while expressing his deep shock over the incident, has advised the public and indeed officers and men of the Command to remain calm as investigations have commenced with the collaboration of other security agencies.”

The official, however, appealed to members of the public to avail security agencies with useful intelligence that would lead to the arrest of those behind the dastardly act.