Residents of Ekwulobia in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State were thrown into panic on Wednesday morning as armed men stormed the town, firing gunshots indiscriminately. The attackers, dressed in mafia-style outfits, arrived in Sienna vehicles and unleashed terror, shooting sporadically and causing chaos across the town.

Several people sustained injuries, vehicles were set ablaze, and some residents were reportedly killed. Many locals abandoned their homes in search of safety, while security operatives were initially absent.

A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity criticized the effectiveness of security operations in the state, blaming the attacks on Biafra agitators. “I advise our people to remain indoors. These attackers are more powerful than all the security outfits combined. Governor Soludo needs to find a lasting solution,” the source said.

The resident also suggested that the attack might have been triggered by the governor’s recent comments in the United States, where he reportedly blamed killings and kidnappings on people of Igbo extraction.

Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that two civilians were killed in the attack, while one of the gunmen was neutralised and four vehicles recovered. According to the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, is on the ground, and security operatives have taken control of the area.

“Our Commissioner of Police is a field man. He will not allow hoodlums to overrun Anambra State. Our men have taken control of the area,” Ikenga assured.