A deadly day in Anambra as gunmen launch separate attacks, killing a policeman in Isuofia and a lawyer with his client in Nanka.
Security officials intensify manhunt as public outcry grows.
Violence Escalates in Anambra: Three Killed in Chilling Attacks
Anambra State, once a beacon of peace in the southeastern region of Nigeria, has again been thrown into mourning.
On Thursday, two separate yet equally tragic incidents claimed the lives of a police officer, a lawyer, and a recently bailed client.
These attacks, both carried out by unidentified gunmen, have not only shaken the local communities but have also reignited fears about the region’s fragile security landscape.
Over the past year, Anambra has witnessed rising acts of violence, often involving gunmen whose motives remain unclear.
From attacks on law enforcement to assassinations of community leaders, the pattern is growing more frequent and more brutal.
Anambra gunmen attacks, latest incidents appear calculated, possibly connected, and have sent shockwaves through the entire state.
Gunmen Launch Deadly Attack in Governor’s Hometown
The first tragedy struck Isuofia, the hometown of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
At around 10 PM on Thursday, a team of security operatives stationed at a joint checkpoint came under sudden gunfire.
According to eyewitnesses, the assailants stormed the area in a convoy of vehicles, shooting sporadically at the checkpoint.
Despite being caught off-guard, the officers responded courageously. A fierce gun battle ensued.
Unfortunately, one police officer was shot and later died from his wounds.
However, the security team, showing remarkable composure and tactical prowess, retaliated with overwhelming firepower.
They gunned down two of the attackers and managed to repel the rest.
During the exchange, a police patrol van was set ablaze, likely by an explosive device.
Still, the team recovered a Toyota Sienna van used by the assailants, providing critical evidence that may aid in identifying the group behind the ambush.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, “We are on the trail of those who fled.
Our operatives have already picked up useful intelligence. This attack was coordinated, but we will not rest until those responsible are arrested.”
Barrister Rolex and Client Assassinated in Broad Daylight
Earlier that same day, another attack took place in Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area.
This time, the victims were a respected legal practitioner and his client, who had just secured bail from a high-profile court case.
Barrister Rolex, a former president-general of Aguleri Town Union, had successfully argued for bail in a murder trial at the Ekwulobia High Court 2.
Accompanied by his client, they were heading home in a Toyota Camry.
Just as they approached a junction along the Nanka–Agulu Road, gunmen on motorbikes intercepted their vehicle.
Without warning, the assailants opened fire, killing both men instantly. Passersby fled the scene, and many businesses nearby shut down in panic.
Security personnel later recovered the lawyer’s car and conducted an initial forensic sweep.
Family members, overwhelmed with grief, have since identified the victims.
Speaking to NIGPOST, a close friend of the lawyer, Mr. Chinedu Ojukwu, said,
“Barrister Rolex was not just a lawyer he was a voice for justice.
His murder is not only a personal loss but a devastating blow to the legal community in Anambra.”
Police Authorities Mobilize Rapid Response
In reaction to the dual tragedies, Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, visited both scenes within hours of each other.
While addressing journalists in Awka, the Commissioner condemned the killings,
calling them “cowardly and calculated attempts to destabilize the peace of the state.”
He further stated that a tactical intelligence team had been deployed to comb surrounding towns and forests.
Surveillance footage from nearby buildings and traffic monitors is also being reviewed for clues.
“The message we are sending is clear,” CP Orutugu said. “These criminals may have had their moment, but their time is up. We are closing in fast.”
To reinforce this stance, the state police command launched an internal investigation into both cases.
Several suspects have reportedly been picked up for questioning.
Public Outrage and Widespread Condemnation
News of the incidents spread rapidly across social media and local radio stations, triggering widespread condemnation.
Prominent legal bodies such as the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Awka branch, expressed their shock and anger.
In a public statement, the NBA described the murder of Barrister Rolex as “an attack on the legal profession and the justice system.”
Traditional leaders and community elders also voiced concerns. Chief Nwabueze Nwankwo, a respected elder in the Aguleri community,
urged the government to introduce more visible patrols in rural areas.
“Criminals are exploiting our remote areas because they know response time is slow. That has to change,” he said.
Furthermore, residents have started organizing night vigils and community watch groups to support official security agencies.
Rising Insecurity and a Climate of Fear
Anambra’s insecurity problems didn’t start this week.
However, what sets these recent attacks apart is the boldness with which they were executed.
For example, attacking a police checkpoint in the hometown of a sitting governor sends a chilling message to residents.
Security analysts say the attackers may be members of unknown gunmen cells that have, in recent times, targeted police stations, INEC offices, and even traditional rulers.
Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, a security consultant based in Onitsha, shared his perspective:
“The danger now is not just in the killings themselves but the psychological fear they spread.
When lawyers and police officers are no longer safe, it signals a serious erosion of law and order.”
A Pattern That Requires Urgent Attention
Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. Just last month, a court clerk was kidnapped in Aguata, and two weeks ago, a retired judge narrowly escaped an abduction attempt.
These events, when considered together, reflect a pattern that cannot be ignored.
What appears to be emerging is a deliberate effort to dismantle the pillars of justice and public accountability in Anambra State.
As institutions and professionals are attacked, fear and silence begin to take over creating fertile ground for lawlessness.
Therefore, the question arises: what is the government doing to reverse this trend?
State Government’s Role and the Call for Holistic Solutions
Governor Soludo’s administration has made security a cornerstone of its governance agenda.
Earlier this year, the state launched the Joint Task Force on Community Security (JTFCOS), aiming to empower local vigilance groups in collaboration with the police.
However, critics argue that these efforts are yet to translate into real safety on the streets.
Mr. Obinna Madu, a political analyst, commented, “The will is there, but implementation remains weak.
We need technology drones, AI surveillance, crime-mapping not just more checkpoints.”
Many residents agree. Calls are growing louder for the government to invest in modern security tools, mobile patrol units, and inter-agency collaboration.
What Can Be Done?
While the police continue their investigations, experts suggest that addressing insecurity in Anambra requires both short-term and long-term measures:
Immediate Steps:
Intensify patrols in high-risk zones.
Deploy drones and surveillance cameras in crime-prone areas.
Increase police presence in judicial institutions and schools.
Long-Term Strategies:
Launch community policing initiatives with full government backing.
Set up a public security fund to equip vigilante groups legally.
Encourage the use of digital reporting platforms for anonymous crime tips.
Moreover, public education campaigns can play a critical role in building trust between citizens and law enforcement.
People must be encouraged to speak up, report suspicious activities, and support investigations.
Final Thoughts: A Test of Leadership
The twin killings on Thursday offer a painful reminder that Nigeria’s fight against insecurity is far from over.
For Anambra State, the loss of a police officer and a legal mind in a single day reflects a much deeper crisis.
Nevertheless, the response or lack thereof in the coming days will define the legacy of those in power.
Will justice be swift and visible? Will residents feel safe again?
Until concrete answers are provided, fear will linger, and hope will dim.
Now more than ever, Anambra needs courageous leadership, strategic action, and unity among its people.
Do you feel safe in your community? What solutions do you believe will help restore peace in Anambra?
Share your thoughts below, and follow NIGPOST for verified reports, updates, and security alerts.
Author: Grace Oladimeji
Date: May 16, 2025
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