Again, Soludo’s Hometown Under Gunmen Attack As Govt. Releases Emergency Numbers
The hometown of the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, Isuofia, in Aguata Local Government Area of the state has again come under gunmen attack, leading to exchange of gun fire with security operatives.
Responding to the attack, the joint Anambra State Security Forces, which included the Military, Police, other security agencies, neutralised five suspected unknown gunmen in Umuona, Isuofia, Aguata local government and recovered one grey Toyota Venza jeep with registration number KRD 344 BT.
Both the Anambra State Government and the State Police Command have confirmed an attack.
Also killed in the attack were two soldiers.
Confirming the incident in a statement, the Spokesperson of the State Police Command, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, said that the “Anambra State Security Forces comprising of the Military, Police, other security agencies neutralized five unknown gunmen in Umuona, Isuofia, Aguata LGA Anambra state, recovered one grey Toyota Venza jeep with reg .KRD 344 BT.
“This followed a distress call at about 10:30am today 12/11/2022 along Afor market in Isuofia, where some hoodlums, attacked a security checkpoint in the area.
“Further details shall be communicated please as operations ate still ongoing”, he added.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Paul Nwosu, in a statement, said, “A gang of gunmen struck the Nigerian Army checkpoint at Afor-Uzo Junction, Isuofia this morning. But unfortunately for the hoodlums they met their Waterloo.
“Our galant and alert security agents, who gave them a hot chase, immediately returned fire and neutralised four of the gang members in a fierce exchange of shootings.
“Their Toyota Avenza with which they launched the deadly operation was recovered.
“The government of Anambra state wishes to reassure the people of their safety, especially during this yuletide season.
“If you see something; please say something to help our vigilant security agents protect you better. ”
The commissioner also gave out telephone numbers, including 09017280990, 07039896429, 09167514891, 09076237441, 09168041120, 08093175528, 08124153139, for members of the public to call to report security threats in their areas.
During Governor Soludo’s inauguration on March 17, 2022, after taking over from former Governor Willie Obiano, the Governor offered an olive branch to the hoodlums.
In April 2022, gunmen attacked Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s Isuofia Community, killing one policeman.
The attack took place at the junction leading to the governor’s house, where security operatives were said to be erecting a security post and the hoodlums stormed the arena shooting indiscriminately, forcing the residents to scamper for safety during which the policeman was killed.
Recall that gunmen had also set ablaze the headquarters of Soludo’s local government, Aguata on Thursday, April 7, 2022. Some of the buildings in the local government area were also set ablaze during the attack in Aguata town.
The Street Reporters Newspaper reports that Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo had, as part of moves to end the assaults, instituted a Truth and Reconciliation Committee. The 15 member committee headed by Dr. Chidi Odinkalu with a view to enabling the state government to interface and dialogue with various agitators and to allow peace to return to the region.
Other members of the Committee on Truth, Justice and Peace were Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, Member/Secretary; Dr. Joe Nwaorgu, Dr. Udenta Udenta, and Dr. Uju Agomoh.
Other members were Rev. Fr Jerome Madueke; Canon Dr. Okechukwu C. Obi-Okoye; Mr. Charles Oputa (Charly Boy, who was later reported to had shun the committee); Dr. John Otu; Mr. Ngozi Odumuko; Ms Onyeka Onwenu; Dr. Joe Abah; Mr. Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu; Mr. Sam Egwuatu and Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu.
