Gunmen attack Anambra community, kill four, abduct one

December 12, 2024

By Ayinde Adeleke

A devastating attack by unidentified hoodlums has left four people feared dead and one abducted in Ifite-Awka, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The incident occurred late on Wednesday, causing widespread panic and forcing residents to flee to their homes.

Eyewitnesses reported that the hoodlums attacked several popular locations, including Book Foundation Junction, Ukwu Aki Bus Stop, “B” Bus Stop, Commissioners’ Quarters, and the Bamboo area.

A trader dealing in groceries, who spoke anonymously, described the scene: “It was a panic situation around 7 pm yesterday (Wednesday) when the hoodlums suddenly arrived and started shooting into the air.

They shot and killed three people at Book Foundation Junction and one person at Ukwu Aki Bus Stop. They also invaded a popular hotel at Commissioners’ Quarters, and kidnapped the manager, and his whereabouts are still unknown.”

The trader further revealed that the hoodlums were demanding a ransom for the manager’s release: “We heard they were demanding N12 million ransom for his release, though the hotel workers said the initial demand was N20 million before it was reduced.”

Another resident, identified simply as Chibuike, added: “About three people were killed at Ifite yesterday night—one at ‘B’ Bus Stop and the others at Book Foundation Junction. They also struck at a hotel in Commissioners’ Quarters, kidnapped three people, and left with their cars.

This morning, one person was shot dead around the Ukwu Aki area. This December is becoming very bloody. May God have mercy. Everyone should be cautious about their movements.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, responded to the incident, saying: “Thank you for this information, but if you know the relatives of these victims, let them come forward, please.”