Gunmen Attack Anambra Community, Four Dead and Houses Burned

At least four people, believed to be herders, were killed on Tuesday morning when gunmen attacked a residential area in Agu-Ifite Awka, a community in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The police spokesperson in Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga, shared this information in a statement on Tuesday evening.

Mr Ikenga, a superintendent, said the gunmen also set fire to about two huts in the area and killed four cows along with other cattle during the attack.

"Operatives of the Police-led Joint Security team responded to the scene after receiving a distress report. When they arrived, they found four male victims with serious injuries.

"Initial observations showed that the victims had their hands tied and had multiple wounds, including machete cuts and injuries from blunt force," he said.

The spokesperson noted that the police-led team found the attackers were armed with advanced weapons, including AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, double-barrel guns, and machetes.

"The police also found four dead cows nearby, while two other cattle had been killed, with some of the meat taken by the attackers.

"Some sacks containing leftover pieces of meat were found a short distance from the scene," he stated.

While the police spokesperson did not name the victims, sources told PREMIUM TIMES that they were herders living in the area.

Mr Ikenga said the police command has condemned the attack and has started an investigation to catch the gunmen.

"One survivor of the attack escaped unharmed and is helping the police-led joint security team with important information in their investigation," he added.

The spokesperson said the police command has sent condolences to the families of those killed in the attack. They assured that the police in the state are dedicated to conducting a detailed and professional investigation to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

The police urged residents of Anambra to stay calm and work with security operatives by providing credible information that could help the ongoing investigation.

"We will communicate further developments as the investigation moves forward," he promised.

Like many other places in Nigeria, killings and kidnapping have been increasing in the South-east in recent years.

No group has taken responsibility for this latest attack.

The banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has been linked to some violent attacks in the region, but the group has denied any connection to these incidents.

IPOB is a group that wants the South-east and some parts of the South-south to break away from Nigeria.