Ekwulobia in Turmoil as Gunmen Kill Police Officers, Burn Patrol Vehicle.
By Chukwuma Eze
Ekwulobia, Anambra State – A deadly ambush on a police checkpoint in Ekwulobia has heightened tensions in Anambra State, as unknown gunmen launched a violent attack on security operatives on January 8, 2024. The attack left two police officers dead, with several others sustaining gunshot injuries. Witnesses reported that the assailants also set fire to a police patrol vehicle before fleeing the scene.
The attack comes amid increasing security concerns in the southeastern region, where armed groups have allegedly been enforcing a weekly sit-at-home order every Monday in protest of the continued detention of IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. These groups insist that the Nigerian government must release him unconditionally.
For over a year, the sit-at-home order has paralyzed economic activities across the region, forcing markets, schools, and businesses to shut down weekly. However, security agencies have continued to resist the enforcement of the order, labeling it an infringement on citizens’ rights. The January 8 attack, reportedly carried out by the group known as “Unknown Gunmen,” is believed to be a retaliation against the Nigerian security forces for attempting to disrupt the sit-at-home directive.
In a statement following the attack, the Ekwulobia police command vowed to intensify efforts in dismantling criminal networks within the community. Security operatives claim that certain individuals within the town have been providing support to the gunmen. Among those allegedly identified are Udoye Grace, accused of serving as their cook, and Geoffrey Ofoma, suspected of being an informant. Police authorities have declared them wanted and promised that anyone found aiding these gunmen will face severe legal consequences.
The growing wave of violence has left residents in fear, with many worried about the increasing confrontations between security forces and armed groups. Despite ongoing security crackdowns, the deadly operations of these gunmen continue to pose a major challenge to peace and stability in the region.
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