At least 19 persons were killed Monday when gunmen invaded a meeting location in Ogboji, Orumba South Local Government Area, Anambra State, causing panic among the locals.
Witnesses reported that the attackers, who arrived in two Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), targeted a group of people thought to be Ebonyi State natives, according to Vanguard.
The horrific attack’s motivation is yet unknown.
However, sources indicate that the attack might be related to redoubled efforts to implement the region’s outlawed sit-at-home rule.
Others assert that internal conflicts may have led to the slaughter, pointing out that the attackers allegedly demanded to view the meeting minutes before opening fire.
They arrived out of the blue and demanded the meeting minutes. They opened fire before anyone could react. One survivor, who asked not to be identified for security concerns, told reporters, “It was terrifying.”
Although they acknowledged the incident, the Anambra State Police Command provided a different number of casualties.
Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga stated in a statement issued on Tuesday that nine persons were taken to the hospital with injuries and that ten individuals were confirmed dead.
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“The armed criminals attacked a gathering while shooting intermittently in two Sport Utility Vehicles,” Ikenga stated.
Sadly, ten persons were pronounced dead when the victims were taken to the hospital. The morgue is now where the bodies are kept.
He went on to say that a team of police officers and other security personnel had been sent to the spot and had taken over.
“The command firmly denounces this violent act and is collaborating with pertinent parties to guarantee that those accountable are held accountable,” the statement said.
According to reports, the attack has caused a great deal of dread in Ogboji and the surrounding settlements, and locals are urging security forces to step up patrols and rebuild trust in the area.
“This is not the first time we are seeing strange faces in the area,” a community leader who wished to remain anonymous stated. However, mass murder of this nature has never occurred. Our folks are terrified.
since at the time this report was filed, the state government has not yet released an official statement regarding the occurrence, since investigations are still ongoing.
The most recent tragedy adds to the long list of security issues that Anambra and other Southeast regions are facing.
