In the early hours of Monday, coordinated attacks by unidentified gunmen claimed the lives of at least five people in two communities in Anambra State, leaving the residents in shock and fear.
The first attack occurred in Abatete, a community in Idemili North Local Government Area, where the assailants reportedly targeted security personnel assigned to the town’s President-General (PG). Eyewitnesses confirmed that three security operatives were killed during a fierce exchange of gunfire. The President-General, whose identity remains undisclosed, sustained severe injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital.
- “The attackers stormed the area early in the morning, catching everyone off guard. Our community is shaken, and we are praying for the PG’s recovery.”
Shortly after the Abatete attack, another group of gunmen struck the Ukpo community, located at the Ukpo roundabout in Dunukofia Local Government Area. The attack, described as “commando-like,” led to the death of a vigilante operative and a motorcycle rider.
- “It was chaotic. The attackers appeared suddenly and opened fire indiscriminately, causing panic among residents.”
A police source revealed that an investigation into the twin attacks has been launched.
- “We are working tirelessly to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. These acts of violence are condemnable, and we assure the public that justice will prevail,” the source stated.
The two attacks reportedly occurred within 45 minutes of each other, with the first taking place around 8:00 a.m. in Abatete and the second at 8:45 a.m. in Ukpo.
Efforts to reach the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, for an official statement have been unsuccessful, as his phone remained unreachable at the time of reporting.
Residents in both communities have expressed concerns about the increasing wave of violence and have urged the authorities to enhance security measures. One resident said:
- “We need more security presence in our communities. This level of violence is unacceptable.”
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