Gunmen carried out a deadly attack on Monday in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, located in Nigeria’s South-east, leaving seven people dead, including two security personnel.
The incident took place around 11:20 a.m., according to a statement released Monday night by Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesperson in Anambra State.
Among the deceased were five residents and two members of the Anambra State Vigilante Group, as confirmed by photographs accompanying the statement.
Details of the Attack
Mr. Ikenga reported that the assailants began firing indiscriminately upon arriving at a venue where preparations were underway for a burial ceremony scheduled for 2 January.
During their escape, the attackers also targeted a security observation post near the Ihiala Local Government Headquarters along the expressway, killing two security operatives.
The attack resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including two unarmed passers-by. A joint security team managed to rescue one victim, who is currently receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
Police Response
Anambra State’s Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono, has launched an immediate manhunt for the attackers.
He expressed condolences to the families of the victims and the Ihiala community, pledging that those responsible would be apprehended.
Rising Insecurity in the Region
The South-east region, including Anambra State, has witnessed escalating violence, with frequent attacks targeting security personnel, government officials, and public facilities.
This latest incident occurred just days after two soldiers were killed by suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Imo State.
Additionally, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Justice Azuka, was abducted on 24 December, while a retired Anglican archbishop, Godwin Okpala, and his driver remain missing since earlier this month.
The Nigerian government has accused IPOB of orchestrating the attacks, but the group denies involvement, despite its ongoing agitation for an independent state of Biafra.
