Gunmen have reportedly killed no fewer than two policemen and several people in the Uga Community of Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State.
The incident was said to have happened on Thursday, December 28, 2023.
A resident of the Uga community raised the alarm, urgently calling upon security agencies and State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to intervene and safeguard their lives.
The armed assailants wielded AK-47 rifles and unleashed gunfire without any challenge at the Uga junction, The Nation reported, adding that a witness described the incident as extremely violent and chaotic.
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This junction notably leads to the residences of prominent figures including All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Andy Uba, and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader, Chris Uba.
Meanwhile, the gunmen reportedly conducted kidnappings unabated for hours without any opposition.
“There was an intense exchange of gunfire at UGA Roundabout, Aguata LGA, at approximately 5:50 pm this evening (Thursday). Gunmen arrived in large numbers, brandishing AK-47 rifles and abducted people in luxury cars without any restraint,” the paper quoted an unnamed witness as saying. “They displayed no urgency to leave and operated freely. Upon sighting a group of policemen from the Ezinifite axis, they engaged in a gun battle, resulting in the tragic deaths of two officers.”
According to online news platform, Premium Times, disturbing video clips, believed to be filmed shortly after the attack, have circulated on social media platforms. It added that one video shows the chilling aftermath, with residents struggling to move the bodies of the slain officers while blood stains the ground. A yet-to-identified man, reportedly mentally ill, lies helplessly nearby. His fate remains unclear.
Two SUVs are visible in the clip, abandoned with doors and boots flung open, suggesting occupants were forcefully removed. A male voice narrates in the background, “They kidnapped the people in these two vehicles.”
Police have confirmed the attack, acknowledging in a statement that the gunmen appeared disguised in military camouflage and intended to abduct individuals.
According to a spokesperson, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, these assailants likely crossed over from a neighbouring state and encountered two armed police officers approaching their position, sparking a gunfight.
These officers, it was revealed, were from Enugu State and escorting a convoy when the ambush occurred. They engaged the attackers, prioritising the safety of motorists caught in the resulting traffic jam. Despite their efforts, the gunmen managed to escape.
