In a series of brutal attacks in Anambra State, gunmen believed to be enforcing the controversial sit-at-home order have left four vigilante operatives dead and several others injured.
The violent incidents, which unfolded early Monday morning, have raised fresh concerns about the effectiveness of security measures in the region.
The first attack targeted members of the Abatete Development Organization (ADO) security team in Idemili North Local Government Area.
The vigilantes were accompanying High Chief Ezebinobi Ezigbo, the President-General of the group, who sustained critical bullet wounds.
The three operatives were reportedly ambushed and killed instantly, leaving the community in shock and fear.
In a separate incident in Ukpo, Dunukofia Local Government Area, another vigilante operative was killed, and their patrol vehicle set ablaze by the attackers. Other team members narrowly escaped the assault.
The sit-at-home order, initially introduced by separatist groups to press for political demands, has increasingly turned violent, with armed enforcers targeting those who refuse to comply.
Residents now face a growing dilemma: adhering to the order or risking their lives.
State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, acknowledged the attacks, describing the reports as “sketchy” but confirmed that a full-scale investigation has been launched. “Our focus is on bringing the perpetrators to justice,” he stated.
Dr. Law Mefor, Anambra’s Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, condemned the violence, calling it “heinous and unwarranted.”
Speaking from Abuja, he appealed for calm while urging federal authorities to strengthen security in the state.
This latest attack underscores a worrying trend in Nigeria’s Southeast, where vigilante groups, often seen as the first line of defense for communities, are increasingly under siege.
The killings not only highlight the dangers faced by these operatives but also raise critical questions about the adequacy of their training, equipment, and coordination with state security agencies.
High Chief Ezigbo’s injuries add a disturbing dimension to the violence. As a community leader, his role in ensuring peace and development is pivotal.
His attack sends a chilling message to other local leaders attempting to stabilize their communities amidst the unrest.
The dual tragedies in Abatete and Ukpo have left residents reeling. Fear now permeates daily life, with many questioning the state’s ability to protect them.
Civil society groups have called for an urgent review of the security architecture in the Southeast, urging the government to adopt a more proactive approach.
As the investigation unfolds, the attacks serve as a grim reminder of the escalating violence linked to the sit-at-home order.
Without decisive action, the cycle of fear and bloodshed may continue to deepen, leaving communities in a state of perpetual insecurity.