The Nigeria Police Force, Anambra State Command has said the attack on police operatives at Izuchukwu junction, Nnobi/Nnewi road on Wednesday night was not by a non-state actor to disrupt the burial of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
In a statement released on Thursday, Anambra Police Command spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the shooting was between Security operatives who mistook the Police personnel as enemy forces.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIkenga explained that a preliminary report revealed that the security operatives, on investigation, trailed a suspect to a security checkpoint before the exchange of gunfire ensured.
The police called for calm as more investigations are being conducted into the incident.
The statement said: “The Command is aware of the shooting incident that took place at Izuchukwu junction, Nnobi/Nnewi road by 7 pm on Wednesday 20/11/2024 where Security Operatives mistook the Police Operatives as unfriendly Forces and opened fire at them.
”However, the police wish to emphasize that the attack on the operatives was not from non-state actors or any attempt to disrupt the burial of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
”Preliminary information shows that security operatives on investigation trailed a suspect to a security checkpoint before the gun duel ensued.
”Unfortunately, bullets hit the fuel tank of the Toyota Venza Sedan carrying the men, and it was razed down. Two innocent passers-by were injured and taken to hospital. The Command sues for calm to allow for investigations into the incident.”
Meanwhile, Joint Security Forces have been deployed to ensure Nnewi is calm throughout the burial ceremonies of the late Senator.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.