A number of people have been feared dead after unknown gunmen opened fire near Afor Market Junction in Nawfia, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State on Sunday accoridng to The PUNCH News report.
Residents said the attackers stormed the busy area without warning and shot at people in what many described as a shocking and frightening incident. Some victims died on the spot, while others managed to escape.
A community source said, the armed hoodlums invaded Afor Market Junction and immediately opened fire, killing a lot of people. Nobody knows the reason behind the attack. The attack has left our community shaken.
Another resident said many people were still in fear, adding that the community now wants stronger security presence.
An eyewitness who was close to the scene said, it was chaos. The attackers came out of nowhere this evening in a commando-like fashion and started shooting indiscriminately.
Videos shared online showed residents running for safety while several bodies were seen on the ground.
The President General of Nawfia Progressive Union, Chief Daniel Okoye, confirmed the incident in a statement. He said he received the news with deep shock and called the shooting a senseless act of violence.
Okoye said, this evening, I received with deep shock the tragic news of an attack at the Afor Market Junction in Nawfia community. The incident resulted in multiple casualties, caused by unknown assailants who carried out this senseless act of violence.
He added that relevant security agencies have been contacted and investigations have begun. He urged residents to stay calm and cooperate with security operatives.
Okoye said, I strongly condemn this heartbreaking incident and the attempt to disrupt the peace of our beloved community. I have already contacted the relevant security agencies, and investigations are underway to uncover those responsible.
He also said, I appeal to all Ndi Nawfia to remain calm, stay vigilant, and continue to cooperate with security operatives as they work tirelessly to restore normalcy and ensure our safety.
A police spokesman for the Anambra Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, could not be reached for comment. But a police source said the force has opened an investigation.
The source said, the police have launched an investigation into the attacks and are working to apprehend the perpetrators. We condemn these heinous acts and assure the public that we will do everything possible to bring the culprits to justice.
