At least four people lost their lives on Wednesday night as gunmen launched a deadly attack in Ifite-Awka, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State. The attackers fired sporadically, causing chaos and forcing residents to flee for their lives while traders hurriedly shut their shops.
Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants struck multiple locations, including Book Foundation Junction, Ukwu Aki Bus Stop, âBâ Bus Stop, Commissionersâ Quarters, and the Bamboo area. According to accounts, the gunmen killed three people at Book Foundation Junction and another individual at Ukwu Aki Bus Stop.
A grocery trader who preferred anonymity shared her harrowing experience: âIt was around 7 p.m. when the gunmen arrived, shooting into the air. People ran for their lives. Three people were killed at Book Foundation Junction, and one person was shot dead at Ukwu Aki Bus Stop.â
The attackers also targeted a hotel in Commissionersâ Quarters, where they kidnapped the manager. âWe heard they initially demanded N20 million in ransom but later reduced it to N12 million. The managerâs whereabouts remain unknown,â the trader added.
Chibuike, a resident of the area, also confirmed the attack. âAbout three people were killed last nightâtwo at Book Foundation Junction and one at âBâ Bus Stop. This morning, another person was shot dead at Ukwu Aki Bus Stop. The gunmen even took three people from a hotel and drove off in their vehicles. This December is becoming very bloody. Everyone should be careful.â
The incident has left the community in fear, with many shops remaining closed following the attack.
Officials at the targeted hotel acknowledged the incident but declined to comment further, stating they were not authorised to speak on the matter.
Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, responded to the incident, saying, âThank you for this information. If you know the relatives of the victims, please advise them to come forward.â
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