By Ovat Abeng
Gunmen on Monday morning, launched simultaneous attacks on two communities in Anambra State, leaving a trail of death and destruction.
Between 8am and 10am, gunmen stormed Abatete town, targeting security personnel attached to the community’s President-General (PG).
Three security men were shot and killed in the hail of bullets.
The PG, whose identity has not been disclosed, was critically injured and rushed to a nearby hospital.
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“We are praying for his recovery,” said a community leader, adding “This senseless violence has left our community shaken.”
In a separate incident, gunmen attacked Ukpo Community at the Ukpo roundabout, in Dunukofia Local Government Area of the state killing one Vigilante Group member and a motorcycle rider.
“It was chaos,” said an eyewitness. “The attackers came out of nowhere, shooting indiscriminately. Shouting no Biafra, no freedom.We are still trying to process what happened.”
A police source who pleaded anonymity said, “The police have launched an investigation into the attacks and are working to apprehend the perpetrators.
“We condemn these heinous acts and assure the public that we will do everything possible to bring the culprits to justice,” said the source.
Residents of Abatete and Ukpo are in shock, with many calling for increased security presence.
“We are tired of living in fear,” said a local resident. “The government must do more to protect us.”
It was gathered that the incidents occurred within a two-hour window, with the first attack happening at 8:00 am in Abatete and the second at 8:45 am in Ukpo,” a source said.
As at the time of filling this report, is yet unclear whether the attacked is unconnected to today’s IPOB sit-at-home order.
Confirming the incident, the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said, the command has deployed operatives to the attacked areas to dust down tension and as well go after the perpetrators.
The PPRO promised to give further details on development later.