Five feared killed as gunmen attack two Anambra communities

No fewer than five persons were feared killed when some yet-to-be-identified assailants launched simultaneous attacks on two communities in Anambra State in the early hours of Monday.

It was gathered that the heavily armed gunmen stormed the Abatete community in Idemili North Local Government Area, targeting security personnel attached to the town’s President-General.

Some sources in the area said three security men were shot and killed instantly during an exchange of gunfire, adding that the PG of the community, whose identity has yet to be ascertained, was critically injured and rushed to a nearby hospital.

One of the sources said, “We are praying for his recovery. The armed hoodlums invaded the community in the early hours of today. This senseless violence has left our community shaken.”

Some residents who also spoke on the development said they are still in shock, with many calling for increased security presence.

In another separate incident, some gunmen attacked the Ukpo Community at the Ukpo roundabout in Dunukofia Local Government Area of the state, killing one vigilante operative and a motorcycle rider.

An eyewitness near the scene said, “It was chaos. The attackers came out of nowhere in a commando-like fashion and started shooting indiscriminately.”

A police source who pleaded anonymity said, “The police have launched an investigation into the attacks and are working to apprehend the perpetrators.

“We condemn these heinous acts and assure the public that we will do everything possible to bring the culprits to justice.”

It was gathered that both incidents were said to have occurred within an hour interval, with the first attack happening at 8am in Abatete and the second at 8.45am in Ukpo.

The Anambra State police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, could not be reached on the development as his telephone line remained unreachable and messages sent to him have not been responded to as of the time of filing this report.