In a tragic incident, two police officers were reportedly slain by unidentified gunmen in Enugu State. The attack occurred during the ambush of a mobile police patrol team on Wednesday evening, around 7:30 pm, along the Udi-Ozalla Road while the Operation Restore Peace Enugu team was engaged in its routine patrol.
The fallen officers have been identified as Danjuma Joseph, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), and Inspector Abu Elamaje. Both victims were swiftly transported to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Ituku-Ozalla for medical attention, but regrettably, they were pronounced dead by attending physicians.
Additionally, Inspector Udeme Udomeng, who sustained gunshot wounds during the incident, received medical treatment and was subsequently discharged.
A source within the command conveyed that “MINE and other command tactical teams reinforced the area of the incident for a cordon and search operation in pursuit of potential suspects. Further developments will be communicated.”
The circumstances surrounding the attack remain unclear, leaving questions as to whether the officers were targeted by kidnappers, who have been active in various parts of the State, or another group of criminals.
Just a few days prior, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide had strongly criticized the alarming and unacceptable rise in kidnapping incidents in the State, calling for a comprehensive overhaul of the State’s security infrastructure.
Efforts made by Pmnews.ng to solicit a response from the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Enugu State Police Command, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, proved unsuccessful, as he did not answer calls, and a text message sent to him remained unanswered at the time of this report.
This tragic incident comes shortly after approximately eight security operatives were ambushed and killed in Imo State, adding to the growing concern over security challenges in the region.
