In a daring act of bravery, two police officers in Anambra State were injured while attempting to save a foreign VIP from kidnappers.
The incident occurred early on Sunday morning in Ogbunka village, located in the Orumba South Local Government Area.
According to the Anambra State Police Command, the gunmen are suspected to be members of a secessionist group.
SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, shared details of the incident in a statement on Monday.
He said police operatives engaged the armed hoodlums in a gun battle to thwart the kidnapping attempt.
Despite the fierce confrontation, the officers managed to rescue the foreign national.
Ikenga confirmed that the two police officers sustained injuries during the exchange of gunfire but are now stable and receiving treatment in a hospital.
Following the violent encounter, police operatives recovered four bodies believed to belong to alleged cult members.
The incident has raised suspicions of ritual killings in the area.
Ikenga stated, “The command has commenced an investigation into a suspected ritual killing.”
He also noted that operations are ongoing in Ogbunka village to apprehend the armed assailants.
In a related development, police responded to a distress call about a suspected cult clash in the Nawfia area on October 6, 2024.
Upon arrival, officers discovered four lifeless bodies on the road, all victims of suspected gun violence.
The deceased were identified as Ebuka Nwaonkwube Ekenta, Nnatuanya Junior (aka Starboy), Aniemena (aka Osama), and Ahmed Auwal.
Ikenga reported that these individuals were known for their involvement in criminal activities and had ongoing rivalries with another cult group in the region.
Cult violence has been a growing concern in Anambra State.
Such groups often engage in violent conflicts over territory and control, leading to tragic outcomes for communities.
Eyewitnesses reported that the deceased were often involved in criminal activities, contributing to the ongoing violence in the area.
Joint patrols involving the Special Anti-Cultism Squad (SPACS) have been intensified to address the rising violence and ensure community safety.
In a separate and disturbing incident, the Anambra police are also investigating the brutal murder of a 17-year-old girl, Chinasa Adigwe.
Her lifeless body was found in a bush at Omasi village on October 6, 2024.
Reports indicate that her private parts had been severed, raising suspicions of ritualistic motives behind her death.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, has ordered an immediate investigation into this horrific crime.
The murder of Chinasa Adigwe has sparked outrage within the local community.
Many residents are calling for swift justice for the young girl and are urging police to apprehend those responsible for this barbaric act.
The police have recovered her body and deposited it in the morgue for further investigation.
In a statement, CP Itam extended his condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, assuring the community that the police will do everything possible to bring the culprits to justice.
He stated, “The police shall do everything possible to make sure that those behind this barbaric act are arrested and justice served.”
These violent incidents have raised serious concerns about safety in Anambra State.
Residents are increasingly worried about the presence of cults and their potential for violence in the community.
The police’s active response to these threats is crucial in restoring a sense of security.
Local leaders and community organizations are also calling for greater awareness and prevention efforts to protect the youth from falling into the trap of cultism.