Residents of Umunze, a town in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, were thrown into panic in the early hours of Thursday following a brazen attack on a local vigilante base by unidentified gunmen.
The heavily armed assailants reportedly stormed the vigilante office under the cover of darkness, firing sporadically and creating chaos in the area. In the process, they set ablaze five operational vehicles and damaged several sections of the building.
Eyewitness Accounts Paint Picture of Chaos
Eyewitnesses who spoke with reporters on condition of anonymity described a terrifying scene. One resident said the attackers came without warning and caught the local security outfit off-guard.
“They came very early in the morning and just started shooting everywhere. The vigilante tried to fight back, but it escalated quickly. Sadly, one of the security men was hit during the exchange and died from the injury,” the source said.
The gunmen were said to have fled the scene before the arrival of law enforcement authorities.
Police Confirm Attack, Call for Public Cooperation
Spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the attack in a statement issued later in the day. He said that the Joint Security Force, comprising police and sister agencies, had moved in swiftly and taken control of the situation.
“Yes, the attack occurred during the early hours of Thursday. Armed individuals stormed the vigilante base in Umunze, Orumba South LGA, and set five operational vehicles on fire. Unfortunately, one vigilante member died while attempting to repel the attackers,” Ikenga stated.
He added that portions of the office structure were also destroyed in the blaze started by the assailants.
Commissioner of Police Condemns Attack
The state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has strongly condemned the act, describing it as a cowardly assault on community peace and grassroots security. He called on the public to support the police by providing credible information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.
“This is a serious attack not only on the vigilante group but also on the safety of the community. We urge all residents to remain calm, but also alert and cooperative,” the statement read.
Ikenga emphasized that tracking down the culprits is a top priority, and further updates would be shared as investigations unfold.
Security Situation in Anambra Still Fragile
This latest incident underscores ongoing security challenges in Anambra and parts of the South-East, where gunmen have previously targeted security formations, public officials, and community institutions. While there has been some improvement in coordinated security responses, isolated attacks like this continue to raise fears among residents.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the attack to come forward as efforts intensify to restore order and prevent further violence in the region.
Post a Comment