No fewer than seven people, including police officers and two civilians, were killed on Monday in a violent attack by unidentified gunmen at Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
According to reports, the assailants stormed a venue where preparations for a burial ceremony were underway, opening fire indiscriminately.
Eyewitnesses confirmed the attack occurred in the early hours of the morning, leaving several victims dead and the community in shock.
While the motive for the attack remains unclear, local sources suggested it might be linked to a directive issued by the attackers, allegedly demanding that no burial ceremonies take place in the area without their approval.
The source said, “Members of a family were making arrangements about the burial ceremony of their loved one, which was scheduled to be held on January 2, 2025.
“But as the preparations were going on, gunmen suddenly invaded the place and started shooting sporadically, and this led to a hot exchange of gunfire between them and some security operatives in the area.
“The hoodlums fired at some police officers at a security post near the Ihiala LGA, and in the process, some people passing by and some security officers were gunned down.”
The Anambra State Police Command Spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the development in a statement late on Monday, said the Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Itam has ordered an immediate manhunt on the fleeing assailants.
Ikenga said, “The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Itam, has ordered an immediate manhunt of the assailants who attacked security operatives and unarmed civilians in Ihiala by 11.20 am today, December 30, 2024.
“The unfortunate attack resulted in the death of seven persons, among which are two unarmed passers-by. The Joint Security Team rescued one of the victims who is currently responding to treatment in a hospital.
“The CP, while on an on-the-spot assessment visit to the scene, interviewed some eyewitnesses about the incident. Information also had it that the armed men started shooting sporadically at a venue where preparations are ongoing for a burial ceremony slated for 2nd of January 2025.”
According to him, while escaping the scene, the armed men shot at two security operatives at a security observation post close to the local Government Headquarters by the Express road.
“To this end, the CP extends his condolences to the families and friends, especially the good people of Ihiala, over the sad incident. He further assured that the perpetrators of this heinous crime would be hunted down,” he added.