On Monday, panic gripped residents of Ogboji in Anambra State’s Orumba South Local Government Area after gunmen invaded a meeting location and started fire, killing at least 19 persons.
Eyewitnesses told Vanguard that the attackers, who arrived in two Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), targeted a gathering of Ebonyi State indigenes.
The motive for the heinous attack remains unknown.
According to sources, the assault could be linked to increased implementation of the region’s forbidden sit-at-home edict.
Others believe the slaughter was the result of internal conflicts, citing the perpetrators’ reported demand for meeting minutes before opening fire.
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“They arrived unexpectedly and asked for the meeting minutes. Before anyone could answer, they began shooting. It was horrifying,” one victim, who asked not to be identified for security concerns, told journalists.
The Anambra State Police Command verified the incident, but provided a different casualty figure.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga said 10 individuals were confirmed dead, while nine others were taken to the hospital with injuries.
“The armed criminals came in two Sport Utility Vehicles and attacked a gathering, shooting sporadically,” according to Ikenga.
“The injured were brought to the hospital, and unfortunately, 10 people were declared dead. The dead have been deposited at the morgue.”
He also stated that a joint team of police officers and other security agencies had been dispatched to the area and had taken control of the situation.
“The command strongly condemns this act of violence and is working with relevant stakeholders to ensure those responsible are brought to justice,” according to the statement.
The attack has caused widespread panic in Ogboji and surrounding areas, prompting people to seek for more security patrols to restore confidence.
A community leader who requested anonymity stated, “This is not the first time we have seen unusual faces in the region. However, this type of mass massacre has never occurred before. “Our people are afraid.”
As investigations continue, the state government has yet to publish an official statement regarding the incident.
The recent tragedy adds to the growing list of security concerns in Anambra and other parts of the Southeast.
