Gunmen kill four, burn vehicles in Anambra communities

Anambra map

Panic gripped residents of Ekwulobia and Oko communities in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State on Wednesday after armed hoodlums invaded the area, killing at least four people and setting vehicles ablaze.

The attack, which began around 8 am, saw the gunmen shoot indiscriminately while mounting positions on a newly constructed bridge connecting the two neighbouring towns.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers ambushed a joint patrol team comprising police, soldiers, and local vigilantes, leading to chaos as residents and commuters fled for safety.

One of the eyewitnesses, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said, “The heavily armed hoodlums in their large number entered the community at about 8.00 am today (Wednesday) and mounted on the newly-built bridge at the centre of the town from where they first launched attacks on the joint security patrol team of the police and the army as well as members of the state Agunaechemba security.

“There was confusion everywhere, and people, most of them workers going to work and traders coming from their homes to open their shops, ran helter-skelter in search of safety. The shootings occurred for several minutes before the arrival of the security team, which engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel.

“About four persons were already recorded dead, and many others injured. Two people were shot while in a tricycle.”

Viral videos shared on social media showed people scampering for safety amid gunfire. At least one operational vehicle belonging to the Anambra State Vigilante Group was also torched. Punch