The Abia State Police Command has confirmed the killing of two Chinese nationals and a police escort in an ambush carried out by gunmen along the Uturu-Aguukwu-Amaya road in the Isuikwuato Local Government Area of the state.
The victims were part of a convoy traveling to a company site when the attack occurred. The assailants ambushed the convoy at approximately 5:30 pm on Thursday, April 4, 2025. The two Chinese nationals, Mr. Quan and Mr. Cai, were killed, alongside their police escort, Inspector Audu Saidu.
A statement issued by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, revealed that the attackers also made off with the rifle of the slain police officer. The gunmen’s motives remain unclear at this time.
Following the distress call, the Abia State Police, working in collaboration with the military and other security agencies, launched a search and rescue operation. The effort led to the safe recovery of three Chinese nationals, who were unharmed, though one sustained minor injuries. Another police escort, Inspector Uba Ahmed, who had been shot in the leg, was also rescued.
The statement further noted, “As part of the ongoing operations to ensure the safety of other expatriates and officers, a tactical team from the Abia State Police, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), visited the crime scene on April 5, 2025.”
In another successful rescue mission, Inspector Ijeagwa Friday was also found unharmed, thanks to the combined efforts of the police, military, and local community members.
The State Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, expressed deep sympathy to the families of the victims and assured the public that the police would work relentlessly to apprehend those responsible for the attack and bring them to justice.
