The United Kingdom has cautioned its citizens from travelling to Anambra State, two days after four officials of the United States were killed by unknown gunmen in Ogbaru Local Government Area (LGA) of the State.
This is just as the Police Command In Anambra State said it has arrested two suspects in connection with the Tuesday’s attack on the US Consulate Convoy. Police also said that preliminary investigations has revealed that seven persons were killed in the assault. Of the seven, three were US Consulate officials and four were Mobile Police escorts.
The UK issued the warning through foreign travel advice service in a recent update on its website on Thursday, adding that States to be avoided by its nationals include Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Cross River.
The advice read, “The FCDO advise against all travel to the riverine areas (ie the river and swamp locations accessible by boat, but not by road) of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.
“The FCDO advise against all but essential travel to Abia State and non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers States and now also to Anambra State in the Ogbaru area, close to Delta state.
“This follows an attack on a US diplomatic convoy on 16 May 2023. The incident is under investigation.”
It added: “Secessionist groups are active in the South East and attacks and violent clashes often occur with the military and other security forces.
“Although foreign nationals are not normally targeted, there is a risk you could be caught in an attack. You should be alert to local government announcements and media reporting.”
Speaking on the attack on Thursday, Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Echeng Echeng, said a Joint Security Task Force comprising of Police tactical teams and troops of the Nigerian Army and Navy raided the suspects’ hideout at Ugwuaneocha community within Ogbaru LGA.
According to him, the security operatives upon arrival met a deserted camp which they then razed down.
The Commissioner however stated that two persons of interest have been arrested and they are under interrogations by the Police.
The Commissioner told journalists at the State Police Command Headquarters, Amawbia, that the victims, five male officials of the US Embassy and four armed Police escorts from Lagos, were on a mission to assess the impact of erosion in Ogbaru.
They were in a convoy of two vehicles when the attack occurred.
The Police chief said further investigations are underway and findings will be shared with the public in due time.