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Anambra State witnessed a grim start to the week as gunmen, whose identities remain unknown, orchestrated fatal strikes in Ukpo and Abatete communities. Five individuals, including both locals and security officers, lost their lives in the sudden outbreak of violence.
Eyewitnesses claim the gunmen arrived at Abatete community just after 8:30 a.m., suspected to be enforcing the Monday sit-at-home order. They opened fire on locals before advancing to the Ukpo Roundabout, where more lives were put at risk, including those of the Anambra State vigilante group.
Reacting swiftly to the incident, the state police command has deployed resources and personnel in a manhunt aimed at locating and apprehending the suspected gunmen.
It was further reported that the attackers set fire to the vehicles of the vigilante operatives and, in a brutal act, killed no less than four members, among other violent deeds, before fleeing the scene.
The tragic event has been further confirmed by disturbing videos circulating on social media, where the lifeless body of one vigilante operative is seen sprawled in a pool of blood at the Ukpo Roundabout, while three others lie similarly in Abatete.
One of the videos also showed the President-General of Abatete community, Chimame Ezigbo, as he was being rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention after he was hit by bullet during the attack.
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Another member of the vigilante operative was also hit by bullets and was rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
Although the number of the persons affected by the attack is yet to be ascertained, a source said no fewer than four persons were killed.
The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a press briefing, said: “Our operatives are currently at the scene. The police have launched an investigation into the attacks and working to apprehend the perpetrators.
“As soon as I get more facts I will get back to you,” he said.
Reports gathered has it that the attacks were launched simultaneously at 8 am in Abatete in Idemili and 8.45 am in Ukpo, Dunukofia on Monday.
