In a tragic turn of events, the Police Command in Anambra State has initiated a manhunt for the gunmen responsible for the brutal killings of 10 individuals in Ogboji, Orumba-South Local Government Area (LGA) on June 30. The victims, mostly from Ebonyi State, had gathered for their monthly town union meeting when the assailants struck without warning, shooting the attendees at point-blank range.
The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident in a statement released on Tuesday. He described the attack as “indiscriminate shooting” that resulted in fatal injuries. The victims were immediately rushed to the hospital, where 10 were confirmed dead. However, the Ebonyi state government reported a higher toll, claiming 13 lives.
A Cold-Blooded Attack
The police spokesperson provided additional details, revealing that the attackers, in two Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs), ambushed the group and fired randomly at the defenseless individuals. The scene of the violence has since been secured by a police-led security team, who are gathering intelligence to track down the perpetrators.
“The police have condemned the senseless shooting incident and have assured that we will leave no stone unturned in bringing those responsible to justice,” Ikenga stated, emphasizing the commitment of the Police Command to hold the killers accountable.
The bodies of the victims have been moved to the morgue, and further investigations are underway to determine the motive behind the attack.
Governor Nwifuru’s Appeal for Justice
In response to the incident, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State condemned the attack and called for swift action against the perpetrators. In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor, Governor Nwifuru expressed his concerns over the potential impact of the violence on the relationship between Ebonyi and Anambra States.
“I trust the Anambra government and relevant security agencies to swiftly apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators,” Nwifuru said. “Failure to do so or compromise is capable of affecting the relationship between both states.”
The Governor labeled the attack as a senseless act of violence, pointing out the unprovoked nature of the assault. “The close-range shooting of Ebonyi people holding their meeting in a peaceful manner defies all reason and logic,” he said. “I strongly condemn this heinous and unacceptable act in its entirety.”
Governor Nwifuru further urged the affected communities to remain calm and avoid retaliatory actions, which could further escalate the situation.
The Aftermath: Tensions Between States
While investigations continue, this brutal act has stirred fear and tension in the affected communities. Ebonyi State authorities have strongly condemned the attack, calling it a violation of the peaceful relations between the two states. Governor Nwifuru’s call for calm is pivotal in preventing further violence.
As of now, the police are focused on apprehending the criminals responsible, with the Anambra Police Command assuring that no efforts will be spared in bringing the attackers to justice.