At approximately 3 p.m. today, a police checkpoint at Ozalla on the Enugu – Port Harcourt Expressway in Enugu State was violently attacked by a group of yet-to-be-identified gunmen. The attack, which has sent shockwaves through the community, resulted in an unconfirmed number of fatalities as the time of this report. The incident, first brought to public attention through a viral amateur video circulating on social media, has raised concerns about the safety of both residents and travelers on the busy highway.

According to the video, which has now been widely shared, the aftermath of the attack is vividly captured. Although there was no sound of gunfire in the video, the disturbing footage shows the body of one slain police officer lying on the ground, a police patrol van set ablaze, and a number of onlookers gathered around the scene. “It all happened so fast,” said a local resident who viewed the video and preferred to remain anonymous. “One minute the officers were conducting routine checks, and the next, we are seeing this horrifying footage online.” The suddenness of the attack left little time for the officers to respond, leading to what many fear are multiple casualties.

Slain police officer

In the aftermath of the attack, the gunmen set ablaze a police patrol van stationed at the checkpoint. The amateur video captured thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky as the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The burning van, a symbol of the chaos and destruction left in the wake of the assault, was a stark reminder of the violence that had just occurred.

Reports indicate that the attackers also made away with several police gadgets. The exact nature of the stolen equipment has not been confirmed, but it is feared that sensitive communication devices and weapons may have been among the items taken. The loss of these gadgets could further complicate the efforts of law enforcement agencies to track down the assailants. “This is a serious blow to our operations,” said a source within the police department, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation.

Scene of the incident

Following the attack, the gunmen managed to escape the scene, evading capture by the authorities. The swift and calculated nature of their retreat has left many speculating about the level of planning and coordination involved in the attack. The identities and motives of the attackers remain unknown at this time, further deepening the mystery surrounding the incident.

In response to the attack, a combined team of military and police personnel was noticed at the scene.

Local residents and commuters have been advised to exercise extreme caution while in or around Ozalla junction on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway. “We are urging everyone to avoid unnecessary travel through that route until the situation is fully under control,” cautioned a voice the in the viralvideo.

The attack has sparked fear and uncertainty among the local population, with many questioning the safety of the area. “This is a wake-up call for the government and security agencies,” said a community leader from Ozalla village. “We need better protection and more robust security measures to ensure the safety of our people.” The viral video has only amplified these concerns, with many citizens sharing their apprehensions online.

police van going up in flames

The incident has also drawn widespread condemnation from various quarters, with calls for a thorough review of security protocols at police checkpoints across the region. Civil society groups have expressed concern over the increasing frequency of attacks on law enforcement personnel and are calling for immediate action to address the situation. “This attack, captured so vividly on video, highlights the urgent need for reform,” stated Gabriel Ejekam, a human rights activist.

As the video continues to circulate, social media platforms have been abuzz with reactions from concerned citizens. Many have taken to Twitter and Facebook to express their shock and dismay at the incident, while others have called for prayers and support for the families of the affected officers. “This video is a tragic reminder of the dangers our law enforcement officers face daily,” one tweet read.

In the wake of the attack, the focus remains on bringing the perpetrators to justice and restoring a sense of security to the affected area. The authorities have appealed to anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to come forward. “We are counting on the public’s cooperation to help us solve this case and prevent future attacks,” said the police officer who pleaded anonymity. The citizens are encouraged to share any additional footage or details they might have related to the attack.

The situation remains tense, and the community is on high alert as the search for the attackers intensifies. The viral video has not only brought attention to the incident but also highlighted the broader issues of security and law enforcement in the region. As the investigation unfolds, the community is left grappling with the aftermath of this brutal attack and the uncertainty it has introduced into their daily lives.

Retired army captain Browson Ebewele, a security expert with decades of experience in counter-terrorism and intelligence, is urging Nigerians to be vigilant and security conscious at all times. According to him, the current insecurity situation across the country has made it imperative for everyone to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their property. He was reacting to the recent attack on the convoy of the former governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha.

In the South East region of Nigeria, for example, where there are various security issues including kidnappings and armed robbery, Ebewele advised people to be cautious and avoid unnecessary travel. He also advised individuals to “avoid late or night trips except it is absolutely necessary”. Ebewele warned against the false sense of security that weapons can give, as they may not always be effective in the case of an attack.

Furthermore, he observed the “issue of poverty and lack of opportunities as contributing factors to the rise in criminal activities in the country”. He noted that “there are many desperate young people who may resort to violence in order to survive. As such, Nigerians to be aware of their surroundings and always take precautions when venturing out”.

The retired captain further emphasized the importance of being security conscious at all times, regardless of one’s social status or financial status. He mentioned that the wealthy in the society are equally vulnerable to attacks, hence the need to take extra measures to protect themselves.

In addition, Ebewele urged people to always plan their movements and journeys carefully, with proper timing and arrangements. He recommended avoiding crowded areas and being cautious of strangers who may seem suspicious or out of place.

Ebewele’s final piece of advice was for Nigerians to always be watchful and report any suspicious behaviour to the authorities and law enforcement agents. He emphasized that personal security is everyone’s responsibility, and it is important for everyone to work together to make the country a safer place.

“With the rise of insecurity across various parts of the country, it is important for individuals to take proactive measures to ensure their own safety”, he concluded. The advice of retired army captain Browson Ebewele can go a long way in helping people stay vigilant and security conscious in times of general insecurity.

Enugu: There seems to be no end in sight to the intra communal killings going on in Akpawfu town made up of three autonomous communities: Obodo Uvuru, Isiagu and Ajame-Agu, in Nkanu East Local Government Area.

The hostilities came to a crises situation when on Friday, April 28, 2023, one Ugochukwu Onovo, an indigene of the town was murdered in cold blood by an unknown gang of assailants alleged to be loyal to the traditional ruler of Ajame Agu autonomous community, Igwe Christopher Nnamani.

Narrating the ordeal people of Akpawfu are going through to our reporter, Ms Theresa Nwede Nnaji who identified herself simply as a school teacher said Akpawfu people are going through untold hardship “because of someone that calls himself a traditional ruler”.

She continued, “Sometime on the 28th of April 2023 Ugochukwu Onovo was gruesomely murdered by a gang of people who I think are working with Igwe Christopher, and his corpse is currently deposited at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Enugu.

“Maduabuchi Onovo was arrested by the same gang, dragged into the forest of Akpawfu and was given several matchet cuts and was about to be killed when misunderstanding broke out amongst the assailants and he used the opportunity to escape death and is in one the hospitals in Enugu.

“On the same day, Nnenna Onovo was abducted, given severe matchet cut stripped naked and thrown into the bush, only for her to regain consciousness and drag her self to safety where she met her son maduabuchi escaping, from the bush and both called for assistance and were taken to a hospital through a bush path to nearby Akpugo community.

“Akpawfu Community has been terrorized by the faceless group practicing criminal segregation and discrimination amongst their brothers calling them derogatory names, destroying homes, setting houses on fire, killing men and women, unleashing terror on the people and using brutal force to evict indigenes from their homes.

“Oga, since November 2022, when the present phase of the carnage started, it has divide the community into two major factions and this group is the ones championing the crusade and evicting our people from their ancestral homes in the three autonomous communities to which failing to be evicted will result to maiming, kidnapping or outright killing.

“Thi is the worst in Akpawfu town as the security breach it has caused is affecting our neighbouring communities. The gang went to Akpugo town and killed a young man who ran to the town for safety. People kidnapped by Christopher Nnamani and his group have not been found till date. My mother and I almost lost our lives to the same gang.

“Yesterday, Sunday, May 7, people in army uniform were seen at Obodo Uvuru arresting and whisking off indigenes of the town to unknown destination.

I am pleading with the authorities and well meaning individuals to come to the aid of Akpawfu town”, she said.