Tension has gripped communities in the Anambra Central Senatorial Zone as gunmen enforcing the outlawed sit-at-home order unleashed terror on Monday morning.
The coordinated attacks, which occurred between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. in Abatete, Abagana, and Ukpo communities, left at least five people dead and several others injured.
According to information obtained by pressmen the casualties were predominantly members of the Anambra Vigilante Services, who were targeted in the brazen attacks.
The first incident took place in Abatete town, where gunmen ambushed security personnel attached to the town’s President-General (PG).
Three vigilantes were shot dead in the hail of gunfire, and the PG sustained critical injuries.
He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention.
Separate attacks were reported in Abagana and Ukpo communities. At the Ukpo roundabout in Dunukofia Local Government Area, a member of the local Vigilante Group and a motorcycle rider lost their lives in the violence.
Eyewitnesses described the scenes as chaotic, with the attackers arriving suddenly and shooting indiscriminately.
The violent incidents have plunged the affected communities into fear and uncertainty, with residents left panicked by the proximity of the attacks to the state capital, Awka.
A voice note circulating on social media has urged residents in Awka to remain indoors, warning that the attackers could strike nearby.
“We are praying for the recovery of our President-General,” a member of the Abatete community said. “This senseless violence has left our community shaken and in mourning.”
A resident of Ukpo expressed the community’s anguish on Facebook: “It was chaos.
The attackers came out of nowhere, shooting and shouting, ‘No Biafra, no freedom.’ We are still trying to process the shock and loss.”
The police have confirmed awareness of the incidents but are yet to provide comprehensive details.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP __, stated, “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.”
The wave of violence attributed to sit-at-home enforcers has continued to wreak havoc in parts of the Southeast, despite efforts by state governments and security agencies to curb their activities.
As investigations into the latest attacks begin, residents of Anambra Central remain on edge, fearing further violence. Many are calling for enhanced security measures and immediate action to restore peace to the affected communities.
