Gunmen suspected to be members of a militia group have attacked a restaurant near the Odumegwu Ojukwu University gate in Uli, Anambra State, killing five people.
Intelligence sources told Diaspora Digital Media that about six armed hoodlums drove into Acuvic Kitchen in a black Lexus SUV at around 12:30 p.m. and opened fire on diners, including members of the Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG).
The victims include: Okechukwu Iriakano), a member of AVG, Ifeanyi Esenwaka of Umuoma Community, an unidentified middle-aged man, yet-to-be-identified commercial motorcyclist and female relative of the restaurant owner
Joint military forces and police were deployed to the scene, but the attackers had already fled.
The victims were rushed to Arch Angel Hospital, Uli, but were confirmed dead on arrival.
Their remains have been deposited in the hospital morgue.
Following the attack, Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command and the Commanding Officer of Artillery Support Regiment, Onitsha, visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.
Security forces have launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects, and investigations are ongoing.
In a related development, the Anambra Police Command has detained two suspected cultists and armed robbers in separate operations, recovering arms and other incriminating items.
According to SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, the arrests were made on March 22.
During an intelligence-led patrol along the Obosi/Nkpor Road, police operatives attached to the Obosi Division arrested one Kosiso Okonkwo, a confessed member of the Aye Confraternity.
A Beretta pistol was recovered from him.
In a separate operation, police operatives from ‘B’ Division, in collaboration with Mobile Police officers from the 29 Squadron, conducted a stop-and-search operation along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
They intercepted a tricycle with registration number BBG 767 QH, driven by a male suspect wearing Army camouflage trousers.
During interrogation, the suspect failed to provide a satisfactory explanation, prompting a search. The operatives recovered: a beretta pistol, seven live rounds of ammunition, ₦15,600 in cash, substances suspected to be hard drugs and charms.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has directed the immediate transfer of the case to the Command’s Tactical Unit for a thorough investigation.
Ikenga reassured residents that the command remains highly motivated and committed to combating crime and ensuring public safety.