On Monday, unidentified gunmen launched violent attacks on the Nnewi and Nnobi communities in Anambra State, resulting in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries. The attackers, suspected of enforcing the Monday sit-at-home directive, killed a vigilante commander and several others while robbing and abducting residents.

Police have confirmed the attacks and are investigating the incidents, promising to provide more details soon.

Tensions in Nnewi and Nnobi

The Nnewi community in Nnewi North Local Government Area and the Nnobi community in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State were gripped with palpable tension as the gunmen invaded. The attackers unleashed violence that led to several deaths and injuries.

According to local sources, the assailants arrived in Nnewi around 11 am and launched an attack on a popular hotel in the Nnewichi area. The gunmen, arriving in three vehicles, began their assault by shooting indiscriminately into the air, causing widespread panic.

During the attack, a vigilante commander known by his nickname “Tallest” was killed while attempting to chase down the assailants. The gunmen abducted one individual from the hotel and robbed others of their mobile phones and valuables before fleeing.

The violence continued as the gunmen moved to Nnobi. Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants, travelling in a black Landcruiser SUV, opened fire on local vigilante operatives, seriously wounding two security personnel. The gunmen’s rampage extended to a burial ceremony, where they shot and killed two more individuals.

The police have acknowledged the attacks and are working to gather more details about the incidents. They have promised to provide more information as the investigation progresses.

The recent events have caused significant distress in the affected communities, and there is an urgent call for heightened security measures to prevent further violence.