About four persons identified as staff of United States embassy in Nigeria were on Tuesday feared killed by gunmen between Amiyi/Eke Ochuche communities in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The deceased were reportedly shot dead after they were ambushed while others sustained varying degrees of injury after escaping in their vehicle with US embassy inscription.
According to sources which put the time of the incident at about 4.30pm, it caused pandemonium among residents waiting for medical treatment from the team.
“They were reportedly ambushed and about four of them were gunned down, while others sustained various degrees of injuries as they escaped with their vehicle that have the US embassy inscription,” a source, The Nation quoted, said.
“Among the deceased were whites and blacks officials who were on a medical outreach to the rural riverine areas,” the source added.
Confirming the incident, Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga said details of the incident were still sketchy, promising to get back to the reporter soon.
“Following information of the shooting incident within the Ogbaru community, the Commissioner of Police CP Echeng Echeng has deployed a police team led by the deputy commissioner of police in charge of operations to arrest the situation.
“Meanwhile, the details of the incident are still sketchy, I will get back to you as soon as I can, please. Good evening,” he said.
The US mission Nigeria also confirmed the incident, saying its personnel were collaborating with security operatives to get to the root of the matter.
“We confirm there was an incident on May 16 in Anambra state. U.S. Mission Nigeria personnel are working with Nigerian security services to investigate.
“The security of our personnel is always paramount, and we take extensive precautions when organizing trips to the field.
We have no further comment at this time,” a US Mission Nigeria spokesperson said.
