Tragedy struck Anambra State on Monday, November 18, as gunmen believed to be enforcing the controversial sit-at-home order opened fire on members of the Community Vigilante Services (AVS), killing four and leaving several others wounded.
The incident occurred in Ukpo, a town in the Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra, a region already grappling with ongoing violence linked to the sit-at-home order imposed by criminals in the southeastern part of Nigeria.
Four Vigilantes Dead, Vehicle Set on Fire
Reports indicate that three vigilante members were shot dead, and their vehicle was set ablaze during the attack. Additionally, seven others were wounded in the violent ambush, which caused widespread panic in the community.
In a nearby village, Abatete, also in Anambra’s Idemili North Local Government Area, the attackers struck again, killing one person.
Among those who narrowly escaped death were the President General of Ukpo town and a vigilante member, who sustained varying degrees of bullet wounds.
Eyewitness Account: “No Biafra, No Freedom”
Eyewitnesses described the chaotic scene, with gunmen shouting the chilling phrase, “No Biafra, No Freedom,” as they fired indiscriminately.
“They came from nowhere, shooting sporadically and chanting ‘no Biafra, no freedom.’ People started running for safety,” one witness recalled, visibly shaken by the events.
The attack began at the Ukpo roundabout, where gunmen, armed with rifles, ambushed a Toyota Sienna minibus that was carrying vigilante members. According to reports, the gunmen did not spare anyone and caused widespread fear as they fired on the defenseless group.
Sit-At-Home Orders Under Attack
The violence comes amid growing tensions surrounding the enforcement of the sit-at-home order in the southeastern states, particularly Anambra. The order, often attributed to pro-Biafra groups, has been linked to increasing violence, with armed criminals taking advantage of the situation to carry out attacks and disrupt daily life.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State had recently ordered that markets should open and that people should not obey the sit-at-home order enforced by criminals. His directive was aimed at restoring normalcy and curbing the power of these groups.
However, it appears that some residents, especially those in Ukpo, defied the order and went about their business, which is believed to have led to the violent retaliation.
The Government Responds
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, revealed that the police were investigating the attack.
“The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ukpo Community is currently leading an investigation into the incident,” Ikenga said in a statement. “We are doing everything we can to apprehend those responsible for this heinous act.”
A History of Violence Linked to Sit-At-Home Orders
This attack adds to a long list of incidents tied to the sit-at-home order, which has been enforced intermittently by separatist groups and armed criminals in the southeastern region. The order, initially a peaceful protest calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has spiraled into widespread violence, causing numerous deaths, destruction of property, and economic paralysis.
While some groups continue to claim that the sit-at-home is a form of protest, others use it as a cover for criminal activities. Vigilante groups, who are supposed to be protecting communities, have now become targets, with these criminals exploiting the situation to challenge the state’s authority.
Impact on Local Communities and Businesses
The violence has shaken the Ukpo community, where residents fear further attacks as the conflict between armed groups and security forces intensifies. Many businesses and markets in the area had previously complied with the Governor’s orders to stay open, but after Monday’s attack, many are now fearful of further clashes.
Ukpo, like many other towns in Anambra, had seen some semblance of calm in recent weeks after the state government’s crackdown on illegal enforcement of the sit-at-home. However, the violence has reignited concerns over safety in the region.
Governor Soludo’s Continued Commitment to Public Safety
Despite the ongoing challenges, Governor Soludo has reiterated his commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens in Anambra. His administration has been actively working to combat the influence of criminal groups and bring peace back to the state.
“We will not allow criminals to dictate the way of life in Anambra State,” Governor Soludo said in a recent statement. “Our people must go about their daily activities without fear.”
The Governor’s tough stance on the sit-at-home order has seen some successes, with security forces actively enforcing the directive to reopen markets and public spaces. However, the latest attack has shown that the battle against these groups is far from over.
Calls for Increased Security Measures
As Anambra grapples with these challenges, local leaders and residents have called for an increase in security measures to protect their communities from further attacks.
“We need more presence of security forces here. The gunmen come in the dead of night, and the police are always too slow to respond,” said a local resident.
