Four people have reportedly died after unidentified gunmen opened fire on residents and security personnel in a deadly attack on Monday in Ukpo, Dunukofia Local Government Area, and Abatete, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State.
Eyewitnesses claim the assailants, believed to be enforcing the Monday sit-at-home order, arrived in Abatete around 8:30 am and shot at several residents. They then moved to the Ukpo Roundabout, where they indiscriminately fired at many people, including members of the Anambra State Vigilante Operatives.
The attackers also set fire to vehicles belonging to the vigilante operatives and killed at least four of them, among other violent acts, before fleeing the area.
The tragic event has been confirmed by videos circulating on social media, showing the body of one vigilante operative lying in a pool of blood at the Ukpo Roundabout, while three others were found in a similar condition in Abatete.
One of the videos also captured the President General of Abatete Community, Chimame Ezigbo, being rushed to the hospital for urgent medical treatment after he was critically injured by gunshots during the attack.
Additionally, another member of the vigilante group was also struck by bullets and had to be urgently taken to the hospital for medical care.
While the total number of victims is still being verified, sources report that at least four individuals lost their lives in the assault.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the police’s awareness of the incident. He mentioned that officers had been dispatched to the scene and assured that further details would be provided once a full briefing was received.