Gunmen on Monday evening attacked a community meeting in Ogboji, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, killing 10 people and injuring nine others, police have confirmed.
The attackers arrived in two sport utility vehicles and opened fire on the gathering. The victims were said to be mostly indigenes of Ebonyi State meeting in the community. The motive behind the attack remains unclear. Some locals suspect it may be linked to the ongoing sit-at-home protests, while others think it might stem from a disagreement within the group, as the gunmen reportedly demanded to see the minutes of the meeting before opening fire.
A disturbing video circulating on social media showed several bodies lying on the ground while survivors wailed in pain.
The Anambra State Police Command condemned the attack in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga. He confirmed 10 people died and nine others were wounded and rushed to the hospital. The bodies have been taken to the morgue.
“The armed criminals came in two SUVs and attacked the gathering unprovokedly, shooting sporadically,” the police statement said.
The police have taken control of the scene and are currently investigating. They promised to arrest the attackers and bring them to justice.
This tragic attack adds to growing concerns about insecurity and violence in parts of the Southeast region, where protests and communal clashes have been reported in recent months.
