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From Emmanuel Uzor, Awka
In what looks like a violent return of hostilities, gunmen enforcing Monday sit- at- home order have killed four persons in Ukpo and Abatete communities in Dunukofia and Idemili North local government areas of Anambra State.
Daily Sun reports that the early morning attack on Arthur Eze community also left no fewer than seven persons injured while one Sports Utility Vehicle, SUV and motorcycles were set ablaze.
The attack occurred few metres away from the Zone 13 of the Nigeria Police Force zonal headquarters, Ukpo in Dunukofia local government area of Anambra State.
Monday attack signalled the resurgence of sit at home many weeks after Governor Chukwuma Soludo had declared an end to the sit at home by officially embarking on Campaign against the exercise in the commercial city of Onitsha and other major cities of the state.
In obvious defiance to Soludo’s order, traders in the commercial cities of Onitsha, Nnewi and even Awka capital city had kept their shops under lock and keys while some traders in local communities were seen opening their shops for businesses.
Apparently irked by the situation, the gunmen stormed Ukpo roundabout at 9.40am yesterday, opened fire at security men on sight while re echoing the sit at home warcry.
A witness who recorded the incident shortly after the attack disclosed that the gunmen were shouting on top of their voices sit -at -home, no Nnamdi Kanu, no peace, sit- at- home on Monday or die like a fowl and we don’t want federal government security in our land” among others.
After the attack that lasted for over 30 minutes, the gunmen burnt the Siena bus belonging to Ukpo Vigilance Service and two other vehicles before fleeing the scene unchallenged, leaving behind body of their victim lying on the major road in the pool of his own blood.
However, it was not known if it was the same gang that attacked Ukpo that also unleashed another mayhem in Abate community, Idemili North Council area of the state where three persons were reportedly killed by gunmen.
It was gathered that between 8am and 10am, gunmen stormed Abatete town allegedly targeting security personnel attached to the Town Union President-General (names withheld).
In the ensuing attacks, three security men were shot by the gunmen who immediately set their operational vehicle on fire.
A witness at Abatete attack disclosed that the PG, whose identity has not been disclosed, was critically injured and rushed to a nearby hospital.
“We are praying for his recovery. This senseless violence has left our community shaken. These incidents occurred within a two-hour window, with the first attack happening at 8:00 am in Abatete and the second at 9:45 am in Ukpo”.
Meanwhile, Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO) SP Toochukwu Ikenga, said the police Command has launched a manhunt for the suspected gunmen.
“Our operatives are currently at the scene. The police have launched an investigation into the attacks and working to apprehend the perpetrators.“As soon as I get more facts I will get back to you”.
The attacks were launched simultaneously at 8am in Abatete in Idemili and 8.45am in Ukpo, Dunukofia
The community leaders said that the PG of the community who sustained serious injuries from the gun shots of the unidentified gunmen was already receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
Other residents of the area called for adequate security in the area.
