Gunmen attacked a convoy transporting staff of the US consulate along Atani, Osamale Road in Anambra State on Tuesday, May 16.
According to Ikenga Tochukwu, the police spokesperson in Anambra, the assailants killed four individuals, including two US consulate staff.
Tochukwu stated:
“Hoodlums murdered two of the PMF operatives and two staff of the consulate. The gunmen also set the bodies of the victims on fire.
“Security forces have initiated a rescue/recovery operation in Ogbaru LGA after an attack on a convoy of US consulate staff today, May 16, 2023, at around 3:30 pm along Atani, Osamale road. The hoodlums killed two PMF operatives and two staff of the consulate, set their bodies ablaze, and torched their vehicles.
“Furthermore, upon seeing the responding joint security forces, the arsonists/murderers abducted two police operatives and the driver of the second vehicle before fleeing. No US citizen was present in the convoy.
“The command regrets that such a convoy or any related convoy would enter the state without informing the police or any security agency in the area. The command assures that the fight against insurgents in the state remains focused and will continue until security stability is fully restored.”
The US mission in Nigeria also confirmed the incident and emphasized the importance of their personnel's security.
A spokesperson for the US mission stated:
“We confirm there was an incident on May 16 in Anambra state. U.S. Mission Nigeria personnel are collaborating with Nigerian security services to investigate. The security of our personnel is always paramount, and we take extensive precautions when organizing field trips. We have no further comment at this time.”
