In a chilling display of violence, gunmen unleashed terror on the quiet communities of Ekwulobia and Oko in Anambra State’s Aguata Local Government Area on Wednesday morning, killing at least four people, torching vehicles, and sending residents fleeing in panic.
Residents of Ekwulobia and Oko were thrown into chaos around 8:00 a.m. when heavily armed men stormed the area, mounting positions on the newly constructed bridge that connects both towns. Eyewitnesses say the attackers opened fire indiscriminately, ambushing a joint patrol team made up of police officers, soldiers, and local vigilantes.
“They came in large numbers, fully armed, and took over the flyover,” a frightened resident told reporters. “They first launched their attack on the security team stationed nearby. Everyone — workers, traders — ran for their lives. The shootings lasted several minutes before reinforcements arrived.”
At least four persons were feared dead in the attack, including two victims reportedly shot while riding in a commercial tricycle (keke). Viral videos from the scene show terrified residents and passersby scrambling for safety under a barrage of gunfire.
The Anambra State Vigilante Group was not spared. An operational vehicle belonging to the unit was set ablaze by the attackers.
Police Response & Confirmed Fatalities
In a statement released shortly after the incident, the Anambra State Police Command confirmed two fatalities but acknowledged the gravity of the attack. Command spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga said the police-led joint task force responded swiftly and engaged the hoodlums in a gunfight that led to the recovery of arms and multiple vehicles.
“Our operatives demobilised one of the gunmen and recovered one AK-47 rifle, one pump-action shotgun, and four vehicles,” Ikenga said.
Recovered vehicles at the scene include:
- A red Toyota Camry (ENU 58 SC)
- A Mercedes-Benz GLK without a number plate
- A golden Lexus RX 330 (ENU 815 AP)
- An ash-coloured Toyota Highlander (GDD 517 RW)
One brown Toyota Sienna, reportedly belonging to the state vigilante group, was completely destroyed in the attack.
“Regrettably, two members of the public lost their lives. The bodies have been deposited in the morgue,” Ikenga added.
Further Attacks & Escalation
In what appears to be a coordinated plan, the gunmen also attempted to attack the Oko Divisional Police Headquarters but were repelled by officers on duty.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has since deployed additional personnel and reinforced patrols in the area. Authorities say calm is being restored and investigations are ongoing.
“Adequate security measures have been activated to secure the affected communities. We urge residents to remain calm and alert, and to report any suspicious activity,” the police statement concluded.
The attacks mark yet another dark episode in the rising wave of violence plaguing the southeast region. For now, the streets of Ekwulobia and Oko bear the scars of terror — bullet casings, burnt vehicles, and grieving families — as the state struggles to secure its once peaceful towns.
