Gunmen have attacked Awka, the Anambra State capital, resulting in multiple fatalities.
The incident took place around 9:15 a.m. at Ifite, near Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and Witness Garden on Ifite Amansea Road.
Eyewitnesses described the chaos, with one saying, “Gunmen just shot a guy a few minutes ago at Ifite, Awka. He’s lying lifeless.”
A lecturer reported seeing seven bodies, forcing him to turn back on his way to school.
Unfortunately, this type of violence is not uncommon in the region. There have been previous attacks in southeastern Nigeria, including one in May where gunmen targeted a US convoy, killing four people. The situation remains complex, with various groups involved, including the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and other militant organizations.
The situation in Anambra State remains volatile, with ongoing concerns about security and violence. I’ll keep an eye on developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Meanwhile, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, has confirmed incident to SaharaReporters but could not give the casualty figure.
He simply said that a police response team has been deployed to the scene, adding that further details will be communicated shortly.
“We received the information on the attack and a police response team had been deployed to the scene.”
The incident has thrown residents of the area into serious panic and fear as the heavy sounds of gunfire were heard in the area majorly occupied by students.
It should be recalled that on Sunday about 16 persons were killed in similar shootings at a festival in Nibo in the same Awka South Local Government Area within the Anambra State Capital Territory.
The state government had vowed to track down the perpetrators but no arrest had been made or made public after the incident, which the government and the police have attributed to cult activities.
