Gunmen Kill Seven in Anambra Attack, Including Two Security Operatives

In a tragic turn of events, gunmen launched a brutal attack on Monday, December 30, 2024, in Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State, leaving seven people dead, including two security operatives. The assault occurred at 11:20 a.m. while preparations were underway for a burial ceremony scheduled for January 2. As the assailants arrived at the venue, they opened fire indiscriminately, killing five residents and two unarmed security operatives.

The police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the devastating toll, revealing that the attackers also targeted two security personnel stationed at an observation post near the Ihiala Local Government Headquarters. In a statement, Mr. Ikenga described the chaos that unfolded, with the gunmen firing recklessly before fleeing the scene.

Gunfire Erupts at Burial Ceremony: Anambra Attack Leaves Multiple Dead

The attack was especially jarring as it occurred during preparations for a burial, an event that should have been a peaceful occasion. At 11:20 a.m., armed assailants arrived in the town, spraying bullets and creating widespread panic. Five local residents and two security operatives were killed in the crossfire, while another victim was rescued by a joint security team and is currently receiving medical treatment. The tragic attack has sent shockwaves through the local community, with many left reeling from the unexpected violence.

Ihiala Bloodbath: Security Forces and Civilians Targeted in Brutal Assault

The deadly ambush in Ihiala marks yet another violent chapter in the ongoing crisis in Anambra and the wider South-east region of Nigeria. Armed assailants disrupted the area as they engaged in a shooting spree, claiming the lives of security personnel and civilians alike. Two personnel from the Anambra State Vigilante Group were killed, along with five residents, including two innocent passers-by. The violence escalated as the attackers tried to flee the scene, shooting indiscriminately at security forces along the way. Local authorities have vowed to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

Violence in South-East Nigeria Escalates: Gunmen Strike Again in Anambra

The attack on Monday is part of a worrying trend of escalating violence across Nigeria’s South-east. In the past week alone, attacks have targeted both government officials and security agencies, with some attributing these violent acts to suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The latest incident in Anambra occurred just days after two soldiers were killed in Imo State, further intensifying concerns about the growing insecurity in the region. The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, Nnaghe Obono, has promised a swift investigation and an ongoing manhunt for those responsible for the deadly assault.