Attackers gun down US embassy humanitarian mission in Anambra, leaving four dead

An atmosphere of shock and grief hangs heavy over Anambra State as news spreads of a horrifying attack that claimed the lives of four staff members from the United States Embassy in Nigeria. The victims, who were on a humanitarian mission in the state, were ruthlessly shot dead during an ambush on Tuesday. The incident unfolded in the Amiyi/Eke Ochuche communities of Ogbaru Local Government Area, sending shockwaves throughout the region.

As the details of the attack slowly emerge, the motive behind this heinous act remains unclear. Local sources in the area recount how the assailants brazenly ambushed the victims, opening fire without hesitation. Panic engulfed the community as the attackers disrupted a gathering of residents eagerly awaiting medical assistance from UNICEF officials.

The eyewitnesses revealed, with trembling voices, that the victims included both white and black officials who had selflessly embarked on a medical outreach to provide aid to the rural riverine areas. Tragically, four lives were cut short in this senseless act of violence, while others sustained injuries as they managed to escape with their UNICEF-marked vehicle.

In response to the devastating incident, the spokesperson for the Anambra Police Command, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, issued a statement acknowledging the severity of the attack. He confirmed that joint security forces had initiated a rescue and recovery operation in Ogbaru LGA. The assailants had not only murdered two Police Mobile Force operatives and two staff members of the US Consulate but had also callously set their bodies and vehicles ablaze.

To compound the horror, the attackers, upon realizing that security forces were closing in, abducted two additional police operatives and the driver of the second vehicle before fleeing the scene. Importantly, it was clarified that no US citizens were present in the convoy during the attack.

As the state grapples with this shocking act of violence, questions are being raised about the security protocols surrounding such missions. The Anambra Police Command expressed its regret that a convoy of this nature entered the state without notifying local authorities or engaging any security agency. However, it emphasized the determination of the joint security forces to combat insurgency and restore stability to the region.

“The joint security forces have embarked on a rescue/recovery operation in Ogbaru LGA, following an attack on a convoy of staff of US Consulate today May 15, 2023 by 3:30 pm along Atani, Osamale road,” said DSP Ikenga, via a statement made available to The Guardian.

“The hoodlums murdered two of the Police Mobile Force operatives, and two staff of the Consulate, and set their bodies set ablaze alongside their vehicles.

“Also, the arsonist/murderers on sighting the responding joint security forces abducted two police operatives, the driver of the second vehicle and took to their heels. No U S citizen was in the convoy

“The command, while reacting to the situation regrets that a convoy of such or any related will enter the state without recourse to the police in the area or any security agency, assured that the battle against the insurgents in the State is focused and it will remain sustained until such a time security stability is fully restored. Further details shall be communicated, please.”