At least nine persons were confirmed dead with several others injured as hoodlums suspected to be herdsmen attacked Awkuzu community, in Oyi local government area of Anambra state.
Sources alleged that the attackers trooped in with machetes and clubs, adding that some of those either killed or wounded were students of the state owned higher institution, residing in the community.
Some unconfirmed viral videos, pictures and texts circulating on social media suggested that the attackers were on reprisal attacks after some of their members residing in the community were allegedly killed by unknown persons.
However, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the attack, described the attackers as “unknown armed men,” adding that the police commissioner, Monday Bala Kuryas has deployed personnel to search, identify and apprehend them.
“The Commissioner Of Police Anambra State Police Command, CP Monday Bala Kuryas, has ordered the immediate deployment of the Command’s Operational and Intelligence assets to identify and apprehend the unknown armed men, who violently attacked Ukpomachi Village, Awkuzu in Oyi LGA of the State, in the early hours of 26th, April 2021.
“Meanwhile, a crack team of Police Operatives of the Command, led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police, have visited the scene and conducted on-spot-the assessment of the incidence and have successfully restored normalcy in the area and adequate security emplaced to forestall further occurrence.
“The assailants, said to be armed with machetes and other dangerous weapons, invaded the village in their numbers and attacked the residents, resulting in the death of nine (9) persons (whose identities are yet unknown), injuries on some others as well as destruction of buildings and livestock.
“The commissioner, while reassuring Ndi Anambra, particularly people of the Community, of the Command’s resolve to get to the root of the incidence, has called on them to remain calm and volunteer useful information that will enable the police and other security sgencies collaboratively handle and bring the situation to a logical conclusion,” he said.
