Anambra CP Confirms Arrest Of Two Suspects Over Attack On U.S. Mission Officials' Convoy .Links ESN/IPOB To Killing Of Seven, Abduction Of Two .Releases Names Of Victims

Operatives of joint security task force have arrested two suspects in connection with the killing of the officials of the United States Embassy in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Echeng Echeng, made the disclosure at a press conference at the command’s headquarters in Awka, the state capital on Thursday, May 18.

Echeng said the suspects were arrested after joint security forces, comprising police tactical teams, Nigerian Army, and Nigerian Navy raided a camp in Ogwuanaocha community of Ogbaru, which was suspected to be the hideout of the assailants on Wednesday, May 17.

He disclosed that nine U.S. Consulate personnel from Lagos were involved in Tuesday’s attack which claimed seven lives at Ogbaru area of Anambra State.

Echeng listed the persons as: Jefferson Obayuwane, Sunday Prince Ubong, Ekene Nweke, Hassan Etila, Avwuvie Kaye Monday, Bukar. A. Kabuiki, Emmanuel Lukpata, Friday Morgan, and Adamu Andrew.

It was gathered that out of the number, seven were killed and set ablaze in their vehicles, while two others were kidnapped.

Echeng said the deceased included four men from Squadron 23, Police Mobile Force Lagos: Inspectors Bukar Adams K., Friday Morgan, Adamu Andrew, and Emmanuel Lukpata.

The police commissioner blamed the attack on the members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), adding that efforts were on to track the location of the gunmen.

He said: “Information about the incident was received by the police command in Anambra through an official of the consulate at about 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

“Consequently, a joint team of mobile policemen and troops of the Nigerian Navy stationed in Onitsha was immediately deployed to the area.

“Upon arrival at the scene of the incident, the joint security team sighted and engaged the assailants in a shoot-out but they escaped through a nearby forest.”

Giving more details, he said further preliminary investigation by the command revealed that five male officials of the U.S. consulate and four armed mobile police escorted from Lagos were on a mission to assess the impact of erosion in Ogbaru before they were ambushed.

“Regrettably, seven persons, including three of the consulate officials and four mobile police escorts were murdered during the attack while two other officials of the consulate are yet to be found.

“The deceased police officers include Bukar Adams, Friday Morgan, Adam Andrew, and Emmanuel Lupata,” Echeng added.

Echeng said the remains of the deceased had  been recovered and deposited in a morgue, adding that the state police command and other security agencies were working round-the-clock with the Anambra State Government to rescue the missing officials.

He appealed to the public to provide information about the identities and locations of the culprits, to  assist the police.

Echeng also condoled with families and friends of the victims as well as the U.S. Consulate over the tragic incident.