Five people were killed on Thursday after gunmen launched a vicious attack on a restaurant near the gate of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University in Uli, Anambra State.
The attack was disclosed Zagazola Makama, a security analyst.
He said the assailants, numbering about six, arrived at Acuvic Kitchen in a black Lexus SUV around 12:30pm and opened fire on diners, including members of the Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG).
Among the victims were Okechukwu Iriakano, an AVG operative; Ifeanyi Esenwaka from Umuoma Community; a yet-to-be-identified middle-aged man; an unidentified commercial motorcyclist; and a female relative of the restaurant owner.
Security forces, including the police and military, responded immediately, but the gunmen had fled before their arrival.
The victims were rushed to Arch Angel Hospital, Uli, where they were confirmed dead on arrival.
Their remains have been deposited in the hospital morgue for autopsy.
Following the attack, Anambra State Commissioner of Police and the Commanding Officer of the Artillery Support Regiment in Onitsha, visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.
Authorities have since launched a manhunt for the suspects, and investigations are ongoing.