It was a bloody day in Isuofia community in Aguata Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State, Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s hometown, as one soldier and four bandits were killed in a shootout between the Joint Task Force on Security in the area and marauding gunmen.
Sources said that trouble started Saturday morning when the bandits on a Venza car stormed the military checkpoint at Isuofia, Govenror Soludo’s hometown and attacked the soldiers at their duty post.
The gunmen fired indiscriminately and their bullets hit some of the soldiers. A source told City Post that one soldier was killed and two others sustained various degrees of injuries.
And based on security alert the Joint Task Force made a swift response and engaged the bandits in a gun fight which led to the killing of four of their gang members.
This is coming just two days after another set of bandits had stormed the Ufuma-Ezira area of Orumba South LGA, robbed a bullion van and allegedly killed three persons.
Confirming the Isuofia incident, the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga said that the situation has been brought under control.
“The situation is under control, meanwhile four of the criminal elements were neutralized and Police/military patrols has been intensified in the area.
“The joint task force also recovered some of their operational vehicles which include Venza jeep and others”.
“Further details shall be communicated please as operation is still ongoing” he said.
Also reacting to the incident the Commissioner for Information Mr Paul Nwosu described it as part of the policy trust of the Soludo administration in ensuring security of lives and property in the State.
According to the Commissioner: “A gang of gunmen struck the Nigerian Army checkpoint at Afor-Uzo Junction, Isuofia this morning. But unfortunately for the hoodlums they met their Waterloo.
“Our galant and alert security agents who gave them a hot chase immediately returned fire and neutralized 4 of the gang members in a fierce exchange of firearms. The Toyota Venza with which they launched the deadly operation was recovered.
“The government of Anambra State wishes to reassure the people of their safety, especially during this yuletide season.”