A traditional title ceremony in Amakor village, Nanka Community, Orumba North local government area of Anambra State, ended in tragedy as gunmen stormed the event, kidnapping eight people and leaving twelve others injured.
The ceremony, which was intended to honor the rich cultural heritage of the community, was abruptly disrupted, turning a day of celebration into one of sorrow.
Emmanuel Ilo, an Ozo titleholder who was present at the ceremony, narrowly escaped the attack. Recounting the harrowing experience, Ilo described the scene as chaotic and terrifying, with armed men, some of whom had their faces covered, launching an unprovoked assault on the participants.
“While the event was reaching its climax, some armed men, some of whom covered their faces, stormed the venue. They were accompanied by some community members and immediately began the attack,” Ilo explained.
He added that the policemen assigned to guard the venue attempted to resist the attackers but were quickly overpowered.
According to Ilo, the attackers were ruthless, scattering people and brutalizing many of the participants.
“They intimidated and brutalized many of the participants and organizers, kicking some of them in their manhood, while the armed men stood by, including some dressed in police uniforms,” he said.
Ilo managed to escape during the chaos, but many were not as fortunate.
Among the abducted individuals are the Amakor village chairman, Barr. Obinna Ilo, Emerie Ilo, Sam Eminike, and Chief Asina Okafor.
The victims were reportedly forced into waiting Sienna vehicles and driven to an unknown location.
Since the attack, the families of the kidnapped individuals have been left in despair, with no contact from the abductors. Ilo noted that the phone numbers of the kidnapped persons have been switched off, and their whereabouts remain unknown.
The identities and motives of the attackers also remain a mystery, leaving the community in a state of fear and uncertainty.
When contacted, Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, expressed his lack of awareness of the incident. He advised that the community report the matter to the nearest police station.
Addressing allegations that some of the attackers were in police uniforms, Tochukwu stated, “Police don’t kidnap, and police don’t abduct. If they were arrested, the police would have reached out to their families and allow them to make calls.”
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many fearing for the safety of the abducted individuals and the potential for further violence.
As the investigation continues, the community hopes for a swift resolution and the safe return of their loved ones.