Two police officers ‘kidnapped’ as gunmen attack Ebonyi lawmaker

Gunmen have attacked Chinedu Awo, the lawmaker representing Ohaukwu north in the Ebonyi state house of assembly.

Loveth Odah, Ebonyi police spokesperson, told journalists on Monday that the lawmaker was attacked on Sunday in Effium community, Ohaukwu LGA.

In recent times, Effium community in Ebonyi state has witnessed a series of violent attacks, including abduction of road contractors.

TheCable had reported that David Umahi, governor of Ebonyi, on November 24, suspended construction of a road along Effium in Ohaukwu LGA over security challenges in the area.

Umahi also asked local government chairmen and traditional rulers in the area to submit an “affidavit of commitment to security” for road contractors.

Speaking on the recent attack, Odah said the lawmaker, who was with some police officers, were returning from Effium community after carrying out investigation on three engineers abducted in the area.

“Awo accompanied the operatives to enable him to dialogue with the warriors at Igbuduoke village in Effium/Ezza clan — the warring community — in Ohaukwu LGA. They were ambushed by armed Ezza warriors numbering over 60,” she said.

“The operatives gallantly fought back, resulting in heavy casualties on the side of the attackers.

“However, DSP Bruno Chukwu and two others sustained bullet wounds and are currently in hospital responding to treatment.

“The two police officers by name: Sergeant Donatus Osugwu, and Sergeant Thaddeus Ugoeze, are suspected to have been abducted by the hoodlums.”

The police spokesperson said Aliyu Garba, police commissioner in the state, had led a team to the scene, adding that a search for the missing officers and perpetrators is yet to yield result.