…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
The Anambra State Police Command has announced the successful rescue of the individuals who were abducted during an ambush on a U.S. Embassy convoy.
In a statement released by the Anambra Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, on Friday morning, an update on the situation was provided.
Remaining Abducted Victims Rescued
According to the spokesperson, in the early hours of May 19, joint security forces successfully rescued the two remaining victims who had been abducted.
The rescued individuals were reported to be unharmed.
The statement mentioned that ongoing operations were still in progress, with further details to be communicated.
Ambush Details and Mission of the U.S. Delegation
The convoy came under attack on May 16 while traveling on the Atani/Osamela road in the Ogbaru Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State.
The delegation from the U.S., comprising officials from both Nigeria and America, had a specific mission to assess the impact of erosion in the Ogbaru LGA.
Attribution of the Attack and Loss of Lives
The Anambra State Police attributed the ambush to members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Tragically, nine individuals lost their lives in the attack.
The victims included Jefferson Obayuwane, a retired DSS personnel, Sunday Prince Ubong, Ekene Nweke, Hassan Etila, Avwuvie Kaye, as well as four police officers: Bukar A. Kabuiki, Emmanuel Lukpata, Friday Morgan, and Adamu Andrew.
Recovery of Deceased Victims’ Bodies
The police confirmed that the bodies of the deceased victims had been recovered and were currently being held in a morgue, awaiting further processing.