GUNMEN KILL FOUR, TORCH VEHICLES IN ANAMBRA STATE ATTACK. (PHOTO).

 Gunmen Kill Four, Torch Vehicles in Anambra State Attack

Aguata LGA, Anambra | July 9, 2025 

Terror struck the Ekwulobia and Oko communities in Anambra State on Wednesday morning as heavily armed gunmen launched a coordinated attack, killing at least four individuals and setting several vehicles ablaze.

The assault began around 8 a.m. when the assailants, numbering in dozens, mounted strategic positions on a newly constructed bridge connecting the two towns. They ambushed a joint patrol of police, soldiers, and local vigilantes, firing indiscriminately and causing widespread panic among residents and commuters.

Eyewitnesses reported that at least four people were killed, including two passengers in a tricycle. Several others sustained gunshot wounds during the chaos.

Viral videos circulated on social media showed civilians fleeing amid gunfire, while a patrol van belonging to the Anambra State Vigilante Group was seen in flames.

The Anambra State Police Command, however, confirmed two deaths in an official statement and noted that the joint security forces swiftly responded, repelling the attackers after a gun duel. One of the gunmen was killed, and a cache of arms and four vehicles were recovered at the scene.

The police also thwarted a separate attack on the Oko Divisional Police Headquarters the same day.

Police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the recovery of one AK-47, one automatic pump-action gun, and multiple vehicles, and assured the public of strengthened security measures under the directive of Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu.

Residents have been urged to remain calm as investigations continue.