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Nine killed, suspects freed as gunmen attack Anambra, Abia police stations

Published

4 years ago

April 20, 2021

There was mayhem in two South-East states, Anambra and Abia, on Monday when gunmen separately attacked police formations, leading to the death of two policemen and seven others.

Two Policemen and three other persons were killed when gunmen attacked the Zone 13 police headquarters at Ukpo, in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Detained suspects were reportedly set free after hoodlums had razed the Uzuakoli Police Division in Bende council area of Abia State. The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has denied any involvement in the attacks on security agents, agencies and their formations in any party of the South-East.

The police gave the names of their dead colleagues in the Anambra mayhem as Inspector Ishaku Aura and PC Uzoma Uwaebuka.

One of the buildings at zone 13 was razed by the hoodlums, while four vehicles were burnt. A police officer at the zone said, “The hoodlums invaded the zonal headquarters at Ukpo in the early hours of yesterday but our gallant men repelled the attack.

“In the process, they killed two of our men while our men gunned down three of their men. But they quickly carried them and zoomed off.

“Those hoodlums came in their numbers; in fact, not less than 20, but our men were equal to the task. They tried to gain access into our armoury but our men stopped them.

“One general purpose machine gun was recovered by the police from the attackers and the identities of the attackers were still not known.”

The Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Nkeiru Nwode, confirmed the incident, saying apart from the GPMG, various types of ammunition were also recovered from the hoodlums.

Nwode’s statement read: “Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to Zone-13 headquarters, Ukpo, Anambra State, have successfully repelled an attack on the Zonal headquarters by criminal elements in the early hours of today, (yesterday) 19th April, 2021. “The attackers, who came in their numbers, shot sporadically in order to gain access to the facility, but were repelled by police personnel on duty who showed profound gallantry in the face of the seemingly overwhelming attack. “Following the inability of the attackers to access the facility, they cowardly threw petrol bombs and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) on vehicles within the periphery of the headquarters. “One of the criminal elements was neutralized during the exchange of gunfire between the police and the attackers, while many of the gang members escaped with gunshots injuries.

“One L7A2 General-Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), ninety-two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, one locally-made smoke pistol and an axe were recovered by the police. Regrettably, two police operatives sustained gunshot injuries and are currently receiving treatment.

“Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Kuryas, who is also standing in for the Zonal Assistant Inspector General of Police, for the zone has commended the police operatives for putting up a strong resistance against the attackers.

“The CP, supported by other senior officers from Zone-13 Headquarters and the state command, is personally leading a special operation aimed at tracing, identifying and arresting the perpetrators to bring them to book.

“The CP also called on proprietors of private and public (including unorthodox) medical facilities in and around Anambra State to admit, but report anyone found seeking medical attention for bullet wounds and related injuries to the nearest police station.”

In Abia, the Police Public Relations Officer, for the state command, SP Geoffrey Ogbonna, said the gunmen used dynamites and rocket launchers which frustrated the efforts of the policemen guarding the station to repel them. According to him, the gunmen also freed detainees at the station.

Related Topics:Abia anambra Gunmen police

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FG okays closure of Independence Bridge in Lagos from Wednesday

Published

16 hours ago

March 17, 2025

Trends Admin

FG okays closure of Independence Bridge in Lagos from Wednesday

By Dada Jackson

The Federal Ministry of Works has informed the motoring public of the closure of the Independence Bridge (Marina bound) in Lagos, commencing on Wednesday, March 19th, 2025.

It said in a statement on Monday that the closure was necessary to facilitate essential maintenance and rehabilitation work on the bridge.

The closure will affect people travelling from the Ahmadu Bello Way & Adeola Odeku Road towards Marina, Eko Bridge and Onikan by Zone 2, according to the statement.

The independence bridge would remain closed until the end of May 2025 for the repairs, it added.

Motorists are therefore advised to plan their journeys accordingly and seek alternative routes, it stated.

“The Federal Ministry of Works apologizes for any inconvenience this closure may cause and appreciates the public’s understanding and cooperation as we strive to ensure the safety and stability of our road infrastructure,” the statement signed by the Federal Controller of Works for Lagos, Engr. (Mrs) O I Kesha, said.

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Lagos, MTN Nigeria unveil “My Lagos App”

Published

21 hours ago

March 17, 2025

Trends Admin

Lagos, MTN Nigeria unveil “My Lagos App”

The Lagos State government, in collaboration with MTN Nigeria, has launched the ‘My Lagos App’ aimed at making urban living in the state more seamless and efficient. The app was unveiled at MTN Plaza, Ikoyi, Lagos in a bid to make urban life in the city seamless and easy.

The app is designed to provide a range of features that enhance various activities, promoting economic growth, accountability, transparency, and real-time updates.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, highlighted the importance of this digital solution in a rapidly growing city like Lagos. The app serves as a vital link between the government and citizens, promoting accountability, transparency, and real-time updates.

metro

TUC backs NYSC member for criticising Tinubu administration

Published

22 hours ago

March 17, 2025

Trends Admin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Corps member, Ushie Uguamaye

TUC backs NYSC member for criticising Tinubu administration

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has expressed support for Ushie Uguamaye, a Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, who has claimed to have received threats after criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

TUC President, Festus Osifo, speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, backed Uguamaye’s stance, suggesting that her comments were born out of frustration. Osifo urged the government to show tolerance toward critics rather than target them.

He emphasized the importance of allowing room for constructive criticism, which is vital for a healthy democracy.

However, Osifo also advised critics to maintain a level of decorum and ensure their critiques are within acceptable norms, promoting respectful dialogue and fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect.

He said, “They (government) have to develop this resilience to understand that people are frustrated, people are hungry, people are tired. So, if they decide to vent, I strongly believe that the government should not personalise it and come after such individuals.