Early Thursday morning, unidentified gunmen stormed the vigilante office in Umunze community, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, in a brazen attack that left one vigilante operative dead and caused extensive damage to the facility.
The facility, believed to be part of the Agunaechemba Security outfit established by the Anambra State government to bolster local security, came under sudden and coordinated assault. Witnesses at the scene reported that the attackers arrived armed and quickly overwhelmed the vigilante operatives stationed at the office.
According to an eyewitness, “The hoodlums invaded the premises in the early hours of Thursday and began shooting indiscriminately. The security operatives tried to defend themselves, but during the ensuing gun duel, one of them was fatally injured. The attackers then set fire to about five operational vehicles and also partially burnt sections of the building before fleeing the scene.”
The violence has further heightened fears in Umunze, a community already grappling with insecurity due to repeated attacks by gunmen believed to be from neighboring states. Residents say the area has become a hotspot for such violent incidents, putting local security forces on high alert.
The police swiftly responded to the incident, with a joint security task force taking control of the scene. The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the attack and revealed that investigations are underway to track down the perpetrators.
He said, “The police-led Joint Security Force has taken over the scene and is working assiduously to identify and apprehend those behind this reckless attack. We are calling on the public to provide any information that could help in the ongoing investigation.”
Furthermore, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, condemned the attack in strong terms, emphasizing the critical role of community cooperation in combating insecurity.
“The unfortunate incident happened in the early hours of Thursday, where suspected armed men launched an attack on the vigilante’s office at Umunze and set five operational vehicles ablaze. One of our security operatives was fatally injured during the resistance,” he stated.
CP Orutugu added, “It is essential that local communities collaborate with the security agencies so that those responsible for this heinous act can be brought to justice swiftly. Our joint security forces remain committed to ensuring peace and stability in the area.”
