Gunmen Kill Four Vigilantes in Anambra: A Rising Threat to Security

Gunmen launched simultaneous attacks on two communities in Anambra State on Monday morning, resulting in the deaths of four vigilantes. The assaults took place between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., with the first occurring in Abatete town, where the attackers targeted security personnel assigned to the community’s President-General (PG).

In the Abatete attack, three security officers were killed in a hail of gunfire. The PG, whose identity has not been disclosed, was critically injured and rushed to a nearby hospital. A community leader expressed hope for the PG’s recovery, calling the attack a senseless act of violence that has left the town in shock.

An eyewitness described the scene as chaotic, saying the gunmen emerged suddenly, shooting indiscriminately while shouting, “No Biafra, no freedom.” Residents are still processing the trauma of the attack.

Shortly after, at 8:45 a.m., Ukpo was also attacked, although details on the exact number of casualties there remain unclear. A police source confirmed that investigations are underway to apprehend the perpetrators and condemned the attacks as heinous acts. Authorities are committed to bringing the criminals to justice.

The residents of both Abatete and Ukpo have expressed fear and frustration, with many calling for increased security in the region. “We are tired of living in fear,” one local resident said, urging the government to take more action to protect the people.

As of the time of the report, it is unclear whether the attacks are related to the IPOB sit-at-home order issued for the day. The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that the police have deployed operatives to the affected areas to restore calm and track down the attackers. He promised to provide further updates as the investigation progresses.