FIVE persons were on Monday killed by yet-to-be-identified gunmen who opened fire on some residents and security operatives at Ukpo community in Dunukofia Local Government Area and Abatete community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has reported.
This is just as the state police command has launched a manhunt for the gunmen.
According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen, suspected to be enforcing the Monday sit-at-home, were said to have arrived at Abatete community at about 8:30 a.m. and opened fire on some residents before proceeding to the Ukpo Roundabout, where they also fired randomly at many people, including some members of the Anambra State vigilante.
It was gathered that the attackers also set ablaze some vehicles of the vigilante operatives and killed at least four of the vigilante men, among other atrocities they committed before fleeing the areas.
The incident was corroborated by some videos currently trending on social media, showing the corpses of one of the vigilante operatives lying in a pool of blood at the Ukpo Roundabout, while three were seen in a similar manner in Abatete.
One of the videos also showed the President-General of Abatete community, Chimame Ezigbo, as he was being rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention after he was hit by bullet during the attack.
Another member of the vigilante operative was also hit by bullets and was rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
Although the number of the persons affected by the attack is yet to be ascertained, a source said no fewer than four persons were killed.
The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a press briefing, said: “Our operatives are currently at the scene. The police have launched an investigation into the attacks and working to apprehend the perpetrators.
“As soon as I get more facts I will get back to you,” he said.
NAN reported that the attacks were launched simultaneously at 8 am in Abatete in Idemili and 8.45 am in Ukpo, Dunukofia on Monday.
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