Panic In Anambra As Gunmen Attack Ekwulobia, Kill Two And Set Vehicles Ablaze

A fresh wave of violence rocked Anambra State on Wednesday morning as unknown gunmen stormed the bustling community of Ekwulobia in Aguata Local Government Area, unleashing terror that left residents fleeing for safety and at least two civilians confirmed dead.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, as the attackers clad in mafia-style outfits arrived in multiple Sienna vehicles and began firing indiscriminately into the air and at targets across the town. Several residents were reportedly injured in the attack, and multiple vehicles were set ablaze.

“They came out of nowhere, started shooting, and people ran in every direction. Some fell, some didn’t get up,” one visibly shaken resident said under anonymity. “This is not the first time, but it’s one of the most terrifying.”
The ambush sent shockwaves across the community, with schools, businesses, and markets shutting down abruptly. Families abandoned their homes in a desperate bid to escape, while security operatives were initially nowhere to be seen.

The police have since confirmed the incident. In a statement issued by the Anambra State Police Command, spokesman DSP Tochukwu Ikenga disclosed that two civilians lost their lives in the attack, while one of the gunmen was neutralised in a gun battle with responding officers. Four vehicles used by the assailants were also recovered.

“Our Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, is a field man. He will not allow hoodlums to overrun Anambra State. Our men have taken control of the area,” Ikenga said, assuring the public that normalcy is being restored.

The incident has also reignited criticism of the state government’s existing security operations, including Agunechemba and Operation Udo Ga Achi. Residents say these efforts have failed to deter rising violence, often attributed to armed separatist elements and criminal gangs operating under the guise of Biafra agitation.

As of the time of this report, the full casualty count is still being assessed, and investigations are ongoing. Authorities have urged residents to remain calm and provide any helpful information to aid the ongoing security operations.