Hoodlums launched a brazen attack on the council headquarters and police station in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra state, setting the Neni Police station ablaze and igniting flames at the Anaocha Local Government Headquarters.
The assailants reportedly chanted hostile songs directed at the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) during the attack.
Ejes Gist News reports that the incident comes on the heels of a recent attack on the Awgbu police station, where two officers lost their lives while another narrowly escaped. According to sources, the assault on the local government headquarters occurred in the early hours of Thursday, between 3 am and 4 am.
Reports indicate that the hoodlums also abducted several police operatives, including female personnel, from the police station. Allegations have surfaced that the attackers viewed the Anaocha Police Station as akin to a defunct SARS (Special Anti-Robbery Squad) station.
Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Anambra state police command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that the hoodlums utilized Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) during the assault. However, he clarified that no arms were stolen, and no police personnel were taken hostage. The police, armed with superior firepower, successfully repelled the attackers, forcing them to retreat.
Ikenga added that police operations were ongoing in the area, with further updates to be provided later. Regarding the killing of officers at the Awgbu police station, Ikenga declined to comment, deferring to a senior officer who confirmed the incident.
A resident, speaking anonymously, revealed that gunmen have been conducting operations in various villages, suggesting that security in Anambra may not be as robust as presumed.
Ejes Gist News understands that despite these challenges, authorities remain vigilant and committed to ensuring the safety of residents, especially with the approaching Easter holidays.
