Communities in Anambra Central Senatorial Zone were thrown into chaos on Monday morning as gunmen allegedly enforcing the outlawed sit-at-home order unleashed violence in Abatete, Abagana, and Ukpo.
The attacks, which occurred between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., left at least five people dead, including members of the Anambra Vigilante Services.
According to reports, the first attack took place in Abatete, where the assailants ambushed security personnel assigned to the town’s President-General (PG). Three vigilante operatives were killed on the spot, while the PG sustained critical injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital.
The violence extended to Abagana and Ukpo, with attackers striking at the Ukpo roundabout in Dunukofia Local Government Area. There, a vigilante member and a motorcycle rider lost their lives in another shooting.
The attacks have left residents of Anambra Central in panic. A circulating voice note on social media has warned people in Awka, the state capital, to remain indoors due to the proximity of the affected communities.
“We are praying for the recovery of our PG. This senseless violence has left our community shaken,” a resident of Abatete stated.
Another eyewitness from Ukpo shared on Facebook: “It was chaos. The attackers came out of nowhere, shooting indiscriminately and shouting, ‘No Biafra, no freedom.’ We are still trying to process what happened.”
When contacted, the state police spokesperson, SP, confirmed the incidents but stated that details were still unclear. “Our operatives are currently at the scene. I will provide more information as soon as we have verified the facts,” the spokesperson said.
The attacks have heightened tensions in the region, with residents calling for increased security to curb the rising violence.