*CP orders manhunt for perpetrators
Gunmen operating in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State have killed seven persons.
The incident happened on Monday, December 30, 2024.
Reports said out of the seven persons killed, two are unarmed civilians who were in a compound planning a burial scheduled for January 2, while the other are security operatives.
A viral video being circulated on social media showed two bodies of the victims, said to be members of the Anambra State Vigilante Group (AVG).
Meanwhile, the police command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident.
Ikenga said the Commissioner of Police (CP), Nnaghe Obono Itam, has ordered immediate manhunt of the assailants.
He said the incident happened at about 11.20am, adding that the attack resulted in the death of seven persons, two of them unarmed passers-by.
He said: “The Joint Security Team rescued one of the victims, who is currently responding to treatment at a hospital.
“The CP, while on an on-the-spot assessment visit to the scene, interviewed some eye witnesses of the incident. Information also had it that the armed men started shooting sporadically at a venue where preparations were going on for a burial ceremony slated for 2nd of January, 2025.
“Also, while escaping the scene, the armed men shot at two security operatives at a security Observation Post close to the Local Government Headquarters by the Express Road.”
Ikenga said the CP has extended his condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives, especially the good people of Ihiala over the tragic incident.
He further assured that the perpetrators would be hunted down.