JUST IN: Attack on our community not political, Anambra community chief

The President-General of Awgbu community, in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Emmanuel Akidi, has said the killings and destruction of property in the area last week were not political.

Over 20 shops were set ablaze and some persons reportedly died when some hoodlums invaded the Awgbu community last Thursday and started shooting sporadically resulting in fire incidents in the community.

The hoodlums, who were said to be on a revenge mission, shot in the air as they moved around the area causing panic in the community as many residents and traders fled for safety.

Akidi, while reacting to the development during a press conference on Sunday, said the attack had no political connotation as erroneously reported.

He confirmed that five persons were killed in the reprisal attack, adding that properties worth over N10 million were destroyed in the incident.

He said, “We plead with people to do their independent investigation and put out the accurate information. Awgbu community is in mourning and does not need any other external provocation.

“Awgbu town was attacked last Thursday leading to the death of five of our indigenes and the loss of properties valued at over N10,000,000.”

“On the afternoon of Wednesday, May 17, 2023, a commercial tricycle(Keke) was chased into Awgbu town through Amaokpala by some commercial motorcyclists who claimed that they were armed robbers and heard fired a series of gunshots in that axis.

“A large crowd had gathered to join those who chased them into the town. In the ensuing melee, three of the occupants were caught. The Awgbu Vigilante service was able to rescue one of them and promptly handed him over to the police.

“The crowd, which had become uncontrollable at this time, took the other two to the boundary of Awgbu-Agulu and executed them.

“Unfortunately, on Thursday, May 18, 2023, Awgbu was attacked by some hoodlums riding in keke, whom eyewitnesses say came from Awka axis. The hoodlums set the market on fire and shot four persons dead and burnt one in his shop.

“There are suggestions that the Thursday night attack is linked to Wednesday’s incident and that the attackers were on a reprisal.”

The PG, therefore, urged the Anambra State Police command to get to the roots of the matter and ensure that the culprits were made to face the wrath of the law and give justice to the families of those killed.

“We plead with the Anambra state government to come to the aid of those killed and those who lost their properties in the arson in the market by compensating the victims,” he added.

The Anambra State police spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, who also confirmed the incident in a press statement, said, “Following information on sporadic gunshot sounds and fire incidents in the Awgbu community, Orumba North, the joint security force has been deployed to restore law and order.

“Preliminary assessments by the operatives showed that about 20 shops were affected by the burning fire while three persons who sustained gunshot injuries were immediately rushed to the hospital and one of the victims was later confirmed dead by the doctor.

“The situation is being monitored and efforts are already in emplace to arrest the perpetrators, further details shall be communicated, please.”