Two suspects believed to be connected to the attack on a US convoy in Nigeria’s Anambra state have been apprehended, according to local police.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the attack resulted in the tragic deaths of seven individuals. Among the victims were three US consulate officials and four police escorts.
Fortunately, no US citizens lost their lives, although two consulate officials remain missing as they were reportedly abducted by the assailants.
Anambra state’s police commissioner, Echeng Echeng, attributed the attack to alleged members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the armed branch of the separatist group known as the Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob).
However, Mr. Echeng did not provide evidence to support this claim regarding the separatists’ involvement.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken denounced the attack and revealed that it targeted an advance team from a US mission visiting a flood response project funded by the United States in the southeastern Nigerian state.
President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria also condemned the attack and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens.
He vowed that those responsible for the assault would face appropriate punishment.