Tension is rising in Anambra Central Senatorial Zone as gunmen attacked residents while enforcing a sit-at-home order on Monday morning, November 18, 2024.

Reports indicate that the chaos occurred between 8 am and 10 am in Abatete, Abagana and Ukpo, resulting in about five deaths.

It was gathered that most of those killed were men from the Anambra Vigilante services who were targeted by the attackers. The first attack was directed at vigilant personnel attached to the town’s President-General (PG).

Three security men were reportedly shot and killed, while the PG sustained injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital.

Another incident took place in Abagana and Ukpo communities, where gunmen opened fire.

At the Ukpo roundabout, in Dunukofia Local Government Area of the state, one Vigilante Group member and a motorcycle rider were killed.

Panic has since spread through the communities around Anambra Central. An audio message has been circulating on social media warning people in Awka not to go outside, due to the proximity of the attacked communities.

A member of the Abatete community stated that: “We are praying for the recovery of our PG. This senseless violence has left our community shaken.”

Another member of the Ukpo community shared on social media: “It was chaos. The attackers came out of nowhere, shooting indiscriminately and shouting ‘No Biafra, no freedom.’ We are still trying to process what happened.”

The spokesperson for the Police in Anambra told DAILY POST: “The details are still sketchy, but our operatives are currently at the scene. I will get back to you with facts as soon as I can.”