The Anambra State Police Command has launched a manhunt for gunmen suspected to be enforcing a sit-at-home order, who killed four members of the Community Vigilante Services and injured several others on Sunday.
Wuzup Nigeria earlier reported that Ukpo community in Dunukofia Local Government Area of the state, was attacked gunmen killing three vigilante members and setting their vehicle ablaze.
Later, the attackers moved to the Abatete community in Idemili North, where they killed another vigilante member.
Eye witnesses reported that the gunmen stormed the Ukpo roundabout in the early morning hours, firing sporadically.
They targeted a Toyota Sienna minibus carrying the vigilante members, leaving several others injured.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the incident in a statement stated the gunmen were driving an unregistered Lexus 330 SUV and a Honda FJ Cruiser SUV during the attacks.
Ikenga stated, “The armed men today, 18/11/2024, unprovoked, by 8:45 am, operating in unregistered Lexus 330 SUV and Honda FJ Cruiser SUV at Ekeagu Abatete, murdered three members of the vigilante and injured another unsuspecting member of the public.
“Also, at Ukpo junction, Dunukofia LGA, while escaping a hot chase by the Police Responding Team, they shot and killed another member of the vigilante, injured another, and set two vehicles ablaze.
“Meanwhile, the bodies of the deceased have been recovered, and the injured are currently receiving treatment in the hospital.”
The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, has vowed to arrest the attackers. He sent condolences to the families of the victims and assured the public that justice would be served.
“The Police shall leave no stone unturned until those behind this barbaric act are arrested and justice is served,” Ikenga added.
