In a troubling development, unidentified gunmen launched a violent attack on the office of local vigilante operatives in the Umunze community, located in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State. The assault, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, resulted in the destruction of property and the loss of life.
According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants stormed the vigilante premises under the cover of darkness and began shooting sporadically, creating chaos and panic in the area.
In the ensuing confrontation between the attackers and the security personnel, one of the vigilante operatives sustained a fatal injury. The gunmen, while retreating, also set fire to approximately five operational vehicles and parts of the security facility before fleeing the scene.
A local resident, who witnessed the incident, recounted, “It all started with gunshots in the early hours of Thursday. The security operatives tried to resist the attackers, but unfortunately, one of them was fatally wounded.
The attackers went ahead to burn five patrol vehicles and parts of the building. They left before the arrival of the police and other security reinforcements.”
Reacting to the incident, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the attack and stated that the Police-led Joint Security Force has since taken control of the area. He emphasized that investigations and onslaught operations are already underway to apprehend those responsible.
In a statement issued later in the day, SP Ikenga relayed the condemnation of the attack by the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, who described the act as a direct assault on public safety and community peace. He stressed the importance of community involvement and intelligence sharing in ongoing security operations.
“The Commissioner of Police strongly condemns this attack on the vigilante office in Umunze. It is essential that communities collaborate with law enforcement to identify and bring the culprits to justice,” Ikenga said.
He further noted that, in addition to the loss of a vigilante operative and the destruction of five operational vehicles, parts of the security building were also razed. The Police Command assured the public that every effort is being made to restore order and prevent a recurrence.
The Anambra State Police Command has urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, promising to provide updates as investigations progress.