Residents of Ekwulobia and Oko in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State were thrown into panic on Wednesday when gunmen launched a broad-daylight assault, killing at least two people and setting fire to vehicles during a violent confrontation with security forces.
The attack began at approximately 8 a.m., with the assailants, armed with sophisticated weapons, occupying strategic positions on a newly constructed bridge linking the two communities. Eyewitnesses said the gunmen ambushed a joint patrol team comprising police, military personnel, and members of the state’s vigilante service.
“The gunmen, heavily armed and numbering in dozens, entered the town early in the morning and mounted the bridge. From there, they opened fire on the security operatives who were on routine patrol,” one eyewitness recounted.
The unexpected onslaught sent traders, workers, and commuters fleeing in terror as bullets rang out across the area. Local sources reported that four people were killed in the crossfire, although the police later confirmed two fatalities.
Viral videos from the scene showed residents screaming and running for safety as the gunmen exchanged fire with the responding security personnel. One of the operational vehicles belonging to the Anambra State Vigilante Group was set ablaze during the chaos.
In a statement issued shortly after the incident, spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said a police-led security team successfully repelled the attackers and recovered weapons and vehicles from the scene.
“Anambra police-led security operatives contained a shooting incident this morning at the Oko and Ekwulobia flyover, Aguata LGA. One of the armed assailants was neutralised.
“We recovered one AK-47 rifle, one automatic pump-action gun, and four vehicles believed to have been used by the gunmen,” Ikenga said.
The recovered vehicles include a red Toyota Camry with registration number ENU 58 SC, a Mercedes-Benz GLK without number plates, a golden Lexus 330 (ENU 815 AP), and an ash-coloured Toyota Highlander (GDD 517 RW). A brown Toyota Sienna vehicle belonging to the Anambra State Vigilante Group was among those destroyed.
According to the police, the gunmen attempted to attack the Oko Divisional Police Headquarters but were swiftly repelled by officers stationed there.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has deployed additional tactical units to the affected areas to reinforce security and ensure stability.
Residents have been urged to stay calm as security operations continue in the area.
“Efforts to ensure the safety of lives and property are ongoing. We will keep the public updated as more information becomes available,” Ikenga assured.