Chinedum Elekwachi
Gunmen have killed thirteen persons reportedly from Ebonyi in an attack Monday evening in Ogboji, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The attack, which happened between 6:00 and 7:00 pm left the affected families and other Ebonyians in the diaspora in mourning.
The Association of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State (ANIAS) has condemned the heinous act, calling for thorough investigation into the massacre.
ANIAS President, Prince Chigozie Nweke, in a statement commiserated with the bereaved families.
He urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to deploy all state resources to investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.
A survivor, Mr. Augustine Odom, chairman of the Ebonyi community in Ogboji, described the attack as sudden and unprovoked.
He said the community was holding its regular monthly meeting when the assailants struck, accusing them of holding a meeting against them.
“The attackers demanded the group’s minute book, seized it, and then opened fire on the participants, killing 13 members on the spot.
“Odom and the treasurer survived with gunshot wounds and are currently receiving treatment.
Prince Nweke emphasized the need for the government to utilize all security networks to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
He also appealed to CP Ikioye Orutugu to mobilize his personnel to hunt down and bring the culprits to justice.
They shall be brought to justice – police
Reacting to the incident, Police Spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga said the State Police Command condemned the indiscriminate shooting incident.
According to him, the incident resulted in fatal injuries and fatalities to ten persons.
The statement reads, “The Command shall hunt down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
“The armed criminals came in two Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) and attacked the gathering of a group unprovokedly, shooting sporadically.
“The victims were rushed to the Hospital and regrettably, 10 (ten) people were confirmed dead.
“The bodies have been deposited in the morgue.
Meanwhile, security team has taken over the scene and are working on necessary information to arrest the preparators.”
