Gunmen invade Anambra police station, kills officer, set building on fire

In the early hours of Tuesday, gunmen launched a coordinated attack on the Oba Police Divisional Headquarters in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The assailants, who were reportedly numerous, targeted the police station and the nearby Oba Civic Centre, using explosives and petrol bombs.

During the assault, a police corporal was killed, and several others sustained injuries. The motive behind the attack is suspected to be linked to a secessionist group, though this has not been confirmed.

State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, stating that the attackers fired indiscriminately and set fire to parts of the police station and civic center.

He added that a joint security operation involving the Army, Navy, Civil Defence, and other agencies is currently underway in Oba and surrounding areas in response to the attack.

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“The Police-led Joint Security Force, comprising the Army, Navy, Civil Defence, and other security agencies, is currently conducting a joint operation in Oba and surrounding areas following the attack early today, 3/9/2024, on the Oba Police Divisional Headquarters and Oba Civic Centre,” Ikenga said.

He continued, “The suspected armed secessionist group began shooting sporadically to gain entry to the Police Station and threw petrol bombs at the facility, causing fires in some offices and the Oba Civic Centre.”

Ikenga also noted, “Unfortunately, a police corporal who was fatally injured has paid the supreme price. The fire was extinguished with the assistance of other police officers on duty and the Joint Security responding team.”

Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, condemned the attack, describing it as an assault on the nation’s soul and vowed to bring those responsible to justice.