Police Beef Up Security Around Former CBN Governor, Confirm Abduction Of Utility Commissioner 

Police in Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria have fortified security in Isuofia, the community of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) who was attacked at a political gathering late Wednesday, March 31.

HumAngle reports that three police orderlies attached to the economist turned politician were shot after a duel with the attackers who later carted away their arms from the Isuofia Civic Centre in Aguata Local Government Area.

Toochukwu Ikenga, Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra said Monday Kuryas, the Police Commissioner visited the scene of the incident for an on the spot assessment, and the residence of Soludo where police officers were deployed.

Ikenga confirmed that Emeka Ezenwunne, Anambra State Commissioner for Water and Public Utilities who was at the event was abducted by the assailants and that his whereabouts were still unknown.

“The assailants were resisted by security operatives present at the event and in the ensuing gun duel, three police operatives sustained severe gunshot injuries and were later confirmed dead in the hospital, their corpses have been deposited in the mortuary,” the police said.

“Following the incident, the attackers abducted one Engr. Emeka Ezenwanne, Commissioner for Public and Utilities. One person has been arrested in connection with the act.”

“The police operatives led by the Command CP, visited the scene and also visited the Former CBN Governor to reinforce the security in his house and the Community.”

Meanwhile, the Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONET) has condemned the incident, describing it as scary and absolutely unacceptable.

Chris Azor, Chairman of the group said that the incident was one of the envisaged early warning signs precursory to the guber election and called on all security agencies to sharpen their surveillance skills to ensure that the culprits are promptly apprehended and those in captivity released.

HumAngle reported that Anambra residents had raised an alarm over possible violence during the Nov. 6 governorship election. 

ASCONET further implored the state governor to declare a state of emergency on security to ensure safety of lives and property of citizens.

“We demand a thorough investigation of the circumstances around this particular incident and indeed the general insecurity being witnessed in the State and geopolitical zone, is seriously advocated,” it said.

“Citizens are hereby enjoined to be extra vigilant, assist the State Government and law enforcement agents, and eschew all forms of criminal activities.”