Enugu State has once again been plunged into mourning following a brutal attack by gunmen suspected to be armed robbers, who ambushed a police checkpoint in Agbogugu, Awgu Local Government Area, on Thursday evening.
The violent assault, which occurred along the Enugu-Ozalla-Port Harcourt Old Road, claimed the lives of two police officers, including a Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) and another officer known locally as "Big." According to eyewitnesses, the assailants stormed the checkpoint and opened fire, catching the officers off guard.
In a chilling display of violence and defiance, the gunmen set ablaze two vehicles stationed at the checkpoint—a police patrol van and a Sienna vehicle—leaving them completely gutted. Sources said the attackers took their time to ensure the vehicles were destroyed beyond repair before fleeing the scene with the officers' weapons.
Speaking anonymously to SaharaReporters, a resident described how the attackers faced no resistance during the raid and calmly drove through Agbogugu town following the assault. “The gunmen came in, killed the officers, burned the vehicles, and took their guns. Then they drove off through the town like nothing happened,” the witness said.
Following the incident, security forces from Enugu were reportedly deployed to recover the remains of the burnt vehicles.
However, as of the time of this report, the Enugu State Police Command has yet to release an official statement. Multiple attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, for comments proved futile, as he failed to respond to phone calls and text messages.
This tragic attack adds to a troubling pattern of escalating violence in the region. In recent months, several fatal assaults—many targeting law enforcement—have rocked the Enugu North Senatorial District, raising concerns over the deteriorating security situation.
As residents continue to live in fear and outrage mounts over the rising insecurity, calls are growing louder for the government and security agencies to take urgent and decisive action to restore peace and order in Enugu State.
[SaharaReporters]