Dare Babalola
Tragedy struck in Ekwulobia in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State as yet-to-be-identified gunmen caused havoc in the area on Wednesday.
Eyewitnesses noted that the shooters stormed the area firing gunshots indiscriminately, leading to the loss of lives of some residents, while others sustained various degrees of injuries.
Properties, especially vehicles were also set ablaze, according to some sources within the community.
The gunmen, who arrived in a Sienna vehicle reportedly sent many locals out of their homes as they scrambled for safety.
Speaking anonymously to The Nation, a resident blamed government-initiated security outfits such as Agunechemba and Operation Udo Ga Achi for their lack of effectiveness and arriving late to the scene of the crime.
Blaming Biafra agitators for the crime, the resident suggested that the attack might have been triggered by the governor’s recent comments in the United States, where he reportedly blamed killings and kidnappings on people of Igbo extraction.
He said, “I advise our people to remain indoors. These attackers are more powerful than all the security outfits combined. Governor Soludo needs to find a lasting solution.”
Confirming the incident the state police spokesperson, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, said two civilians were killed in the attack.
He also said four vehicles were recovered from the shooters, while one of the gang members was neutralised.
“Our Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, is a field man. He will not allow hoodlums to overrun Anambra State. Our men have taken control of the area,” Ikenga assured.
