Gunmen Kill 2 Policemen, 5 Others in Anambra
On the morning of Monday, December 30, 2024, tragedy struck in Ihiala, a local government area in Anambra State, when gunmen launched a deadly attack that left seven people dead, including two police officers and five civilians. The gunmen opened fire indiscriminately around 11:30 AM, during the ongoing Sit-at-Home protest that has become a disturbing feature of life in the region.
The violence unfolded quickly as the assailants targeted both security personnel and innocent bystanders. Among the victims were two unarmed passers-by who were caught in the crossfire. In addition to the two police officers, members of the local vigilante group were also killed. However, there was some hope amid the devastation: a joint security team managed to rescue one individual, who is now in stable condition and receiving treatment in a hospital.
Confirming the incident, the Anambra State Police Command issued a statement through the Public Relations Officer, SP Tochikwu Ikenga. The Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam, immediately ordered a manhunt for the perpetrators. According to the police, the attack occurred around 11:20 AM, as the gunmen opened fire at a location where preparations for a burial ceremony were underway. The attackers also shot at two security officers stationed at an observation post near the local government headquarters as they made their escape.
The brutality of the attack has left the local community in shock. Engr. Anayochukwu Charles Orjiako, the Chairman of Ihiala Local Government Area, expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of the security officers and civilians. In a statement, he condemned the attack as a vicious assault on the safety and well-being of the community. He also extended his condolences to the families of the victims, describing the killings as senseless.
“We are heartbroken by this senseless act of violence that has claimed the lives of our security personnel and innocent citizens,” Orjiako said. “These men and women were working tirelessly to ensure the safety of our community, and their loss is felt deeply by all of us. My heartfelt condolences go to the families of those we have lost, and I wish a speedy recovery to those injured.”
The Chairman also called on the perpetrators to turn themselves in, warning them that the consequences of their actions would be severe. He emphasized that the local government, in collaboration with security agencies, would do everything possible to bring the criminals to justice.
“We will not allow this act of violence to deter us,” Orjiako said. “We will continue to work alongside security forces to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. Our people will remain vigilant, and we will support the families of our fallen heroes during this difficult time.”
The senseless killings have shaken the community, highlighting the ongoing security challenges that continue to plague Anambra and the wider southeastern region of Nigeria. As residents mourn the loss of their loved ones and their local heroes, there is a collective resolve to stand strong and work together to rebuild the safety that has been stolen from them.
