Gunmen invade Anambra communities, kill 4, many injured

Austin Okoro DDM NEWS

Gunmen invaded Ekwulobia and Oko communities in Anambra State’s Aguata Local Government Area on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, leaving four people dead and several injured.

The attackers, numbering dozens, arrived in a convoy of Sienna SUVs and opened fire indiscriminately, causing widespread panic among residents

Four people were killed, and several others injured in the attack.

The gunmen set ablaze one of the security vehicles used by the joint security team in the area and some other vehicles.

The Anambra State Police Command swiftly responded to the incident, engaging the armed men in a gun duel.

One attacker was neutralized, and security operatives recovered four vehicles, one AK-47 rifle, and one automatic pump action gun from the scene.

The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the incident and assured the public that the state Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has deployed tactical units to reinforce security across Ekwulobia and surrounding areas.

The police spokesperson, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that the security operatives are working to restore calm and prevent further attacks.

Locals are calling on Governor Soludo to intensify efforts to combat the resurgence of armed groups in the state.

Some observers blame escalating tensions tied to separatist rhetoric and ritual violence for emboldening such factions.

This incident is part of a string of violent attacks in Anambra State, with earlier incidents occurring in areas near Awka and Ihiala.

The attack on Ekwulobia and Oko communities highlights the need for increased security measures to protect residents and prevent further violence.

The Anambra State government and security agencies must work together to address the root causes of these attacks and ensure the safety of citizens.

Suspected gunmen on Wednesday, killed four persons, injured several others in Ekwulobia, Aguata local Government Area, and Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area respectively in Anambra State.

According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants,numbering about 20 arrived around 8:00 a.m. and took strategic positions atop the newly constructed flyover bridge in the center of Ekwulobia.

From there, they reportedly opened fire indiscriminately and engaged a joint security patrol team consisting of police officers, soldiers, and members of the Anambra State Homeland Security outfit, known locally as Udo Ga-achi.

“There was pandemonium everywhere,” “Most people were on their way to work or opening their shops when the shooting started.

Everyone ran in different directions looking for safety.”one witness said.

During the ambush, one of the security vehicles belonging to the joint task force was set ablaze by the attackers.

The exchange of gunfire caused chaos throughout the area and disrupted normal activities for several hours.

Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, stated that security operatives killed one of the assailants during the confrontation.

However, he also confirmed the unfortunate death of two civilians and the destruction of a security patrol vehicle by the gunmen.