At least five people have been killed in a series of attacks by gunmen in three Anambra State communities enforcing a previously abolished sit-at-home order.
The attacks, which occurred on Monday morning, targeted the Abatete, Abagana, and Ukpo communities, leaving residents in shock and panic.
Sources revealed that the gunmen, suspected to be enforcing the sit-at-home order initially declared by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), struck between 8 am and 10 am. The assailants also set vehicles ablaze and warned residents to observe the banned directive.
The attacks reportedly claimed the lives of vigilante personnel and civilians, with Abatete suffering the highest casualties. In the town, three members of the Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG) attached to the community’s President-General (PG) were killed. The PG was critically injured and rushed to a nearby hospital.
A separate attack occurred at the Ukpo roundabout in Dunukofia Local Government Area, where a vigilante member and a motorcycle rider were gunned down. The attackers also unleashed mayhem in Abagana, heightening fears among residents across Anambra Central.
A member of the Abatete community expressed sorrow over the incident, saying, “We are praying for the recovery of our PG. This senseless violence has left our community shaken.”
Another eyewitness from Ukpo recounted the chaos, saying, “The attackers came out of nowhere, shooting indiscriminately and shouting,‘No Biafra, no freedom.’ We are still trying to process what happened.”
A voice note circulating on social media has further escalated fears, warning residents of Awka, the state capital, to remain indoors due to the proximity of the attacks.
The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the attacks, with spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga stating that operatives have been deployed to the affected areas.
“The details are still sketchy, but our operatives are currently at the scene. I will get back to you with facts as soon as I can,” Ikenga said.
The attacks have left the communities reeling, with many calling for urgent action to address the escalating violence in the region.
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