- Four people killed: Gunmen enforcing the Monday sit-at-home order killed four persons in Ukpo and Abatete communities in Dunukofia and Idemili North local government areas of Anambra State .
- Seven injured: The early morning attack on Arthur Eze community also left no fewer than seven persons injured .
- Vehicles set ablaze: One Sports Utility Vehicle, SUV, and motorcycles were set ablaze during the attack .
- Attack on security personnel: The gunmen targeted security personnel attached to the Town Union President-General in Abatete, killing three security men and critically injuring the PG .
- Resurgence of sit-at-home: The attacks signal the resurgence of sit-at-home hostilities, despite Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s declaration of an end to the sit-at-home order .
- Police investigation: The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Toochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that operatives are investigating the incident .
Tragedy struck in Anambra State as gunmen enforcing the Monday sit-at-home order killed four people and critically injured the President General of Abatete, Mr. Chimame Ezigbo. The attacks occurred simultaneously in Abatete and Ukpo Junction in Dunukofia Local Government Area, catching residents off guard between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. .
In Abatete, three members of the vigilante service who were with Mr. Ezigbo were shot dead on the spot, while he was rushed to the hospital with a critical head injury. An eyewitness described the scene as chaotic, saying, “We are praying for the recovery of our PG. He became unconscious when the bullets struck his head. It’s shocking that he was targeted. This is a man who has worked tirelessly to maintain peace in Abatete. Our community is in turmoil.” ,
The fourth victim was a motorcycle rider and member of the local vigilante group in Ukpo, who was hit by indiscriminate gunfire. It’s unclear if he was specifically targeted. A police source confirmed that investigations are underway to apprehend the perpetrators .
These attacks are particularly disturbing since many thought the enforcement of the Monday sit-at-home order was losing steam in the state. The incidents have left the communities in tension, with residents forced to return home immediately after the attacks .
The police are working to bring those responsible to justice. Hopefully, the perpetrators will be caught soon, and the community can begin to heal from this traumatic event.
