Buhari, Obi condemn attack on U.S Embassy staff convoy in Anambra

President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned Tuesday afternoon’s armed attack on staff of the United States Embassy in Anambra State where they had travelled to for humanitarian work.

This is also as the Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi described the attack by gunmen on the convoy of the US Embassy staff as ‘reprehensible.’

In separate reaction to the incident which left four person dead, including two staff of the embassy and two security detail attacked to their convoy, the leaders condoled with the families of the slain persons as President assured that his administration ‘remains committed to fishing out the perpetrators of the attacks and bringing them to justice.’

Gunmen reportedly killed two staff members of the United States Consulate Office, along with another two security detail attached to the team.

The incident occurred, Tuesday afternoon, in Ogbaru local government area of Anambra State.

This is just as the State Police Command confirmed, also Tuesday, said that no American casualty was recorded in the shooting incident, which it added happed at 3.30pm, Tuesday.

Reports were rife claiming that American nationals were killed in the attack in the local government area, even as some claimed that casualties also included United Nations aid workers.

The South East region, in particular, Anambra and Imo states have become the hotbed of armed attacks at institutions or symbols of institutions by militants who claim to be aligned with pro-secession group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Spokesperson of the Anambra Political Command, Mr Ikenga Tochuckwu (DSP), who confirmed the armed attack, in Awka, the state capital, said the incident occurred along the Atani-Osamale Road in Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state.

Tochuckwu, however, added that the Joint Security Task Force in the state had been deployed to rescue and recover the other members of the US Consulate convoy.

According to the police spokesperson, ‘no US citizen was in the convoy’ which came under attack by the gunmen.

“The Joint Security Forces have embarked on a rescue/recovery operation in Ogbaru LGA, following an attack on a convoy of staff of U S Consulate today 16/5/2023 by 3:30 pm along Atani, Osamale road.

“The hoodlums murdered two of the PMF operatives, and two staff of the Consulate, and set their bodies ablaze and their vehicles. Also, the arsonist/murderers on sighting the responding joint security forces abducted two Police operatives, the driver of the second vehicle and took to their heels. No U S citizen was in the convoy

“The Command, while reacting to the situation regrets that a convoy of such or any related will enter the state without recourse to the police in the area or any security agency, assured that the battle against the insurgents in the State is focused and it will remain sustained until such a time security stability is fully restored.

“Further details shall be communicated, please,” the police statement read.

Meanwhile, the US Mission Nigeria has also acknowledged the incident, stating that its personnel are working in collaboration with Nigerian security forces to investigate the matter.

A spokesperson for the US Mission Nigeria assured that extensive precautions are taken when organizing trips to the field.

Reacting via a statement, Wednesday, by his Senior Special Assistant, Garba Shehu, the President expressed condolences on the loss of lives of two United States embassy officials and two Nigerian policemen accompanying them, following an attack by gunmen in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.

“I was very sad hearing about the killing of the embassy staff and our policemen accompanying them. In this difficult time for the families of those killed, the American Embassy and the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, I extend the nation’s condolences over the very sad incident,” the president said.

He equally noted that he has been briefed about the tragic killing of several persons in Bwoi District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, as well that of several villagers in Adaka village in Makurdi Local Government and in Ijaha community of Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.

The President said he is deeply pained to learn about these gruesome deaths. He also expressed sincere condolences to the families of the victims.

“We share the grief of the American Embassy, the Nigeria Police Force and our communities in Plateau and Benue and remain committed to fishing out the perpetrators of the attacks and bringing them to justice.

“May God give their families the strength to bear the unfortunate losses,” the president implored.

Also reacting, Mr Obi in a statement via his Twitter handle (@PeterObi), Wednesday, said: “I just got the most reprehensible news of the attack and killing of some international humanitarian workers in Anambra state, which happened on Tuesday. This despicable act is highly condemnable.

“My heartfelt sympathy goes to the families of the deceased, the United States Embassy and other charitable International agencies involved.

“Nothing can be more deplorable than that somebody has to die while rendering a charity job for a people and a nation in need.

“The rising crime rate in our community and country is not unconnected with the frightening rising poverty level and unemployment of youths in our land which is a consequence of a prolonged leadership failure over the years.

“When youths in their product ages remain idle for a prolonged time the devil finds in them veritable tools to build workshops in. Our redemption remains a quick turnaround from consumption to production.

“I urge the appropriate security agencies to put no stone unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators of these wicked and abominable acts are fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law. –PO”