By Ovat Abeng
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.
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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.
“The operatives responded swiftly to the attack, engaging the hoodlums in a gun battle. One of the assailants was killed, but sadly, we lost two civilian lives. A patrol vehicle was also torched during the incident,” Ikenga said.
The police spokesperson added that investigations are ongoing and that efforts have been intensified to track down the fleeing assailants and restore calm to the affected communities.
Wednesday’s attack adds to growing concerns over the resurgence of violent criminal activities in parts of Anambra State, despite repeated assurances from security agencies of improved surveillance and coordinated responses.
The statement reads in full:
“Anambra Police-led Security Force contained a shooting incident in the early hours of today 9th July 2025 at Oko and Ekwulobia flyover, Aguata Local Government Area. The team also demobilised one of the armed criminals, recovered one AK-47 rifle, one automatic pump action gun and four vehicles at the scene as the Operatives sustained the onslaught operations in the area. The vehicles recovered include one red Toyota Camry vehicle with Reg No: ENU 58 SC, custom colour GLK Mercedes Benz without a registration number, golden colour Lexus 330 with Reg No: ENU 815 AP and one ash Toyota Highlander with Reg No: GDD 517 RW.
The armed criminals shot indiscriminately under the Ekwulobia flyover. Consequently, in a swift response, the Joint Security Team engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel. Regrettably, the incident recorded the death of two unsuspecting members of the public and the burning of a brown Toyota Sienna vehicle allegedly belonging to the Anambra State Vigilante Group. Meanwhile, the bodies of the deceased have been recovered and deposited in the morgue.
In another development, the Oko Divisional Police Headquarters witnessed an attack, but the gallant Officers on duty repelled the assault by the armed criminals. No casualties were recorded as the aggressive pursuit by the Joint Security Team of the assailants continues in the area.
Given the above, adequate security measures have been put in place at the instance of the Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc MNIPS PhD. Residents are hereby urged to remain calm as efforts to ensure their safety continues unabated”.
