Four Policemen Killed, 11 Stations Razed, 20 Vehicles Burnt In Anambra

No fewer than four police officers were confirmed dead and two injured in Anambra during the recent #EndSARS protests in the state by hoodlums.

Mr. John Abang, Commissioner of Police in Anambra, said this in Awka on Wednesday during the parade of 17 suspected hoodlums.

The list of 17 suspects paraded indicated that 10 of them were indigenes of Anambra, four from Ebonyi and three from Abia.

Abang said 11 police sta­tions were burnt down and six vandalised during which the hoodlums carted away motorcycles, ammunition and other valuables.

He said about 20 vehicles were razed, including an Ar­moured Personnel Carrier and patrol vehicles.

The commissioner who applauded his men for the professionalism with which they managed the crisis, said lives of police officers in the state were still in danger as hoodlums were still on their trail and most cannot go home.

“It is common knowledge that hoodlums acting under the guise of the #EndSARS protest attacked police sta­tions in some parts of the state which resulted into loss of lives, looting and wanton destruction of prop­erty.

“The hoodlums set ablaze 11 police stations, vandal­ised six, burnt over 20 ve­hicles, including patrol and exhibit vehicles and an Ar­moured Personnel Carrier (APC).

“The police also lost some rifles during the attacks.

“In the course of these heinous acts, the hoodlums murdered four police offi­cers, including the DPO of Osumenyi Division, CSP Akpan Joseph; ASP Agu Micheal, the station officer, and a young police Corpo­ral, Udegbunam Sunday Celestine, while leaving two others injured.

“In their state of callous­ness, the hoodlums also murdered and beheaded Insp. John Oche, attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit and burnt his body while parading the streets with the deceased policeman’s head,” he said.

Abang said other private and public property were vandalised and looted by the hoodlums, including the state Revenue House, OCHA Brigade office and private trucks loaded with goods were attacked and valuable property looted.

He said loss of lives and the destruction of proper­ty would have been more if his officers and men did not protect police property gallantly.

The police commissioner thanked Gov. Willie Obiano, traditional rulers and town unions for their support for the police at this trying time and for their efforts at bring­ing peace to the state.

“Despite concerted ef­forts by the hoodlums to create a state of lawless­ness in Anambra, the com­mand stood its ground and repelled their attacks in various formations such as Area Commands in Onit­sha, Ogidi, Awada, CPS Onitsha, Inland town and the B Division.

“Meanwhile, in the course of the decisive action by the Police, 17 suspects were arrested in connec­tion with the incidents with several exhibits, including one AK47 rifle stolen from Ogbunike Division, which has been recovered by op­eratives of the command,” he added.