Tragedy struck in Anambra State today, November 18, 2024, as gunmen suspected to be enforcing the sit-at-home exercise attacked and killed four members of the Community Vigilante Services (AVS). The incident occurred at Ukpo Dunukofia Local Government Area and Abatete community in Idemili North.
Eyewitnesses described the chaos, with gunmen shouting “No Biafra, No Freedom” while firing sporadically. The attackers targeted a Toyota Sienna minibus carrying vigilante members at the Ukpo roundabout. Seven others were injured during the attack, and the gunmen also set the vehicle of the officials ablaze.
The Anambra State Police Command has launched a manhunt for the perpetrators. Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, vowed to apprehend the criminals. Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, stating that the police will leave no stone unturned until those behind the barbaric act are arrested and justice is served.
The bodies of the deceased have been recovered, and the injured are receiving treatment in the hospital. The police are working to apprehend the perpetrators.