Residents of Ekwulobia in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State fled in panic on Wednesday morning as armed men stormed the area, firing gunshots indiscriminately.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers, dressed in mafia-style outfits, arrived in Sienna vehicles and unleashed terror, shooting sporadically and causing chaos across the town.
According to sources, several people sustained injuries, vehicles were set ablaze, and some residents were reportedly killed.
It was gathered that many locals abandoned their homes in search of safety, while security operatives were said to be initially absent.
A resident who spoke to The Nation on condition of anonymity criticised the effectiveness of security operations such as Agunechemba and Operation Udo Ga Achi initiated by the government.
He blamed the attacks on Biafra agitators and faulted the Police and other security agencies for failing to prevent the invasion.
“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,” the source said.
He also 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.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command confirmed the incident.
According to the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, two civilians were killed in the attack, while one of the gunmen was neutralised and four vehicles recovered.
“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.
