Gunmen Attack Vigilante Office in Anambra, Kill One, Set Vehicles Ablaze

A passerby was reportedly killed and several vehicles were burnt during an attack by gunmen on a vigilante office in Amesi, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State on Friday night.

Eyewitnesses said the assailants stormed the facility, setting ablaze at least three vehicles and two motorcycles while shooting sporadically. The victim, identified as Nnaka Chinonso from Udo Village, Akpo, was said to have been caught in the attack, sparking fear and panic within the local community.

Reacting to the incident, Valentine Ozigbo, a governorship aspirant in the upcoming All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election, described the attack as a devastating blow to the community. Ozigbo, who visited the scene alongside the Area Commander and Divisional Police Officer, expressed deep sorrow, saying, “A soul with dreams, a story, and a family cut down in an instant by the cruelty of insecurity that continues to haunt our land.”

While commending the efforts of security personnel who responded to the attack, Ozigbo urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to strengthen security measures across the state. He warned against downplaying reports of violence, stressing that “suppressing news of attacks does not stop the violence,” and called for urgent action to protect lives and restore peace.

In a statement confirming the incident, Anambra State Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga said no lives were lost. He explained that police operatives had repelled the armed attackers, resulting in the destruction of four patrol vehicles and two motorcycles during the gun battle. Ikenga added that calm had been restored to the area and that the Joint Security Force had intensified operations to prevent further attacks.

Authorities assured residents that the situation was under control and promised to provide updates as investigations continue.