There was tension in Ukwulu community, Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, on the evening of Saturday, April 12, 2025, after a heated quarrel between two brothers turned violent and ended in a gunfight. Police authorities have confirmed that two suspects were arrested at the scene, and a victim who sustained gunshot injuries was rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment.
According to a statement issued by the Anambra State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, operatives attached to the Special Anti-Cultism Squad Enugu-Ukwu moved quickly to contain the incident and stop it from spiraling out of control.
Ikenga disclosed that the police recovered dangerous weapons at the scene, including one AK-47 rifle, one pistol, and six rounds of live ammunition. He also noted that the police responded immediately after receiving a report about gunshots in the community and managed to arrest two suspects while rescuing the injured person.
Further investigations, according to the police, revealed that the victim and one of the suspects are brothers who had been involved in a long-standing disagreement. The conflict reportedly escalated into violence when one of them allegedly brought a third party to assist in attacking the other.
“The victim was taken to the hospital and is currently responding to medical treatment,” the police statement read.
The case has now been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation. Police say more details will be made available as the probe continues.
What We Know So Far
Eyewitnesses say the community was thrown into panic on Saturday evening when several gunshots rang out around a residential part of Ukwulu. Residents initially feared it was an attack by gunmen or cult groups, which have been responsible for violence in parts of Anambra State in the past.
But police later confirmed that it was a family dispute that turned violent. The fact that dangerous weapons like an AK-47 rifle and a pistol were recovered shocked many, raising questions about how such arms ended up in the hands of civilians in a peaceful village setting.
According to local sources, the two brothers had reportedly been in a bitter quarrel for several months over land inheritance. Matters got worse recently when one of them allegedly took steps to sell a piece of land which the other claimed had not been properly divided among family members.
Rising Cases of Armed Disputes in Anambra
Anambra State has in recent years witnessed a disturbing rise in cases of armed violence, some linked to cult groups, land disputes, and personal disagreements. In several communities, residents have expressed concern about the increasing presence of illegal firearms and the ease with which some individuals acquire them.
The use of weapons to settle family or land-related disputes is becoming a worrying trend. This particular incident in Ukwulu is another sign of how unresolved family disagreements can explode into serious violence if not handled peacefully.
Authorities in the state have repeatedly warned against taking the law into one’s hands. They have urged residents to seek help through legal channels, community leaders, or traditional rulers when disputes arise.
Police Vow to Prosecute Suspects
The Anambra State Police Command has promised to carry out a thorough investigation into the matter and ensure that those involved face justice. The suspects are currently being interrogated, and charges will be brought against them once investigations are concluded.
“We have transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a detailed investigation. The public will be informed of the outcome in due time,” SP Ikenga added in his statement.
