Terror in Ihiala: Gunmen Kill Seven, Injure Others
At least seven people were killed on Monday during an attack by gunmen on security operatives and unarmed civilians in Ihiala, Anambra State.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident in a statement issued in Awka, the state capital.
Ikenga disclosed that the assailants launched the attack around 11:20 a.m. He noted that among the deceased were two unarmed bystanders.
“The unfortunate attack resulted in the death of seven persons, including two unarmed passers-by,” Ikenga stated.
According to the police, a joint security team managed to rescue one of the victims, who is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.
The state Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam, has ordered an immediate manhunt for the perpetrators. He also visited the scene of the attack for an on-the-spot assessment and interviewed eyewitnesses.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the gunmen had been shooting sporadically at a venue where preparations for a January 2, 2025, burial ceremony were underway. While fleeing the scene, they reportedly attacked two security operatives stationed at a security observation post near the Local Government headquarters along the Express Road.
The Commissioner of Police extended his condolences to the families of the victims and the Ihiala community, pledging that the assailants would be brought to justice.
This incident underscores the growing security challenges in parts of Anambra State.
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