By Obinna Unaeze, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed a deadly attack on a vigilante office in Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area, by unidentified gunmen who killed a security operative and set several vehicles ablaze.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement issued on Friday in Awka, said the incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday.
Armed assailants reportedly stormed the vigilante facility, opened fire, and set five operational vehicles and parts of the office building on fire.
According to Ikenga, a gun battle ensued as the vigilante operatives tried to repel the attack, resulting in fatal injuries to one of their members.
“The unfortunate incident happened in the early hours of Thursday. Suspected armed men attacked the vigilante office at Umunze, setting five of their operational vehicles on fire and burning parts of the facility. One operative sustained fatal injuries during the exchange of gunfire,” the police spokesperson stated.
He added that a police-led Joint Security Force has since been deployed to the area to restore calm and maintain order.
Ikenga urged residents and community members to support ongoing security operations by providing relevant information that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
