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Two Killed, Gunman Neutralised as Police Battle Armed Attackers in Anambra
Two civilians were killed and one armed assailant neutralised in the early hours of Tuesday, July 9, when a joint security team led by the Anambra State Police Command engaged a group of gunmen who launched coordinated attacks at Oko and under the Ekwulobia Flyover in Aguata Local Government Area.
Police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the incident in a statement issued in Awka, said the armed criminals opened fire indiscriminately at unsuspecting members of the public, causing chaos and panic in the area. He said the swift response of the police-led security team helped to contain the situation and prevent further casualties.
“In a fierce gun duel, the operatives demobilised one of the armed criminals and recovered an AK-47 rifle, an automatic pump-action gun, and four vehicles used by the attackers,” Ikenga said.
The recovered vehicles include: One red Toyota Camry with registration number ENU 58 SC; one custom-colour Mercedes Benz GLK without a registration number; one golden Lexus RX 330 with plate number ENU 815 AP; one ash Toyota Highlander with registration number GDD 517 RW.
The police also confirmed that a brown Toyota Sienna vehicle, reportedly belonging to the Anambra State Vigilante Group, was set ablaze by the gunmen during the attack.
“Unfortunately, the attack led to the death of two innocent civilians who sustained fatal gunshot wounds. Their bodies have been recovered and deposited in the morgue,” the statement added.
In a related incident, the Oko Divisional Police Headquarters came under attack by the same criminal group, but officers on duty successfully repelled the assault. No casualties were recorded during that engagement, and the pursuit of the fleeing assailants is ongoing.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered heightened security in the affected areas and assured residents of the command’s commitment to maintaining public safety.
“Residents are urged to remain calm and vigilant as our joint security operations continue. Further developments will be communicated,” SP Ikenga stated.
