Gunmen Storm Another Burial Ceremony in Anambra, Attack Vigilante Office in Utuh

By Izunna Okafor, Nnewi

Barely two weeks after gunmen suspected to be cultists stormed a burial ceremony in Ebenebe, Awka North Local Government Area of the state and slain scores of burial guests, unknown gunmen have again stormed and wrecked havoc in another burial ceremony in the state.

The incident, according to reports, happened yesterday evening, at Mbanagu Ndimgbu (along Nwaanyị Ọcha Road) Otolo Nnewi, in Nnewi North Local Government Area of the state.

It was gathered that the burial was going smoothly and peacefully until the Gunmen univintedly arrived from nowhere and started shooting sporadically, which forced both the mourners and the burial guests take to their heels.

According to an eyewitness, the heavily-armed men came in three cars, and immediately ‘opened fire’ into the air, shortly after which people dispersed, while they arrested some of the security men on duty at the burial and searched the entire compound for more.

It was learnt that some of the security men dared to challenge them in a gun duel, but were eventually captured alive and whisked away, while few others escaped.

Although no fatality was confirmed as at the press time, some currently trending social media voice notes recorded by some of the eyewitnesses who were at the burial when the incident happened, have it that some of the mourners and burial guests sustained various degrees of bullet wounds during the shootings, but were later rushed to hospital for urgent medical attention.

These claims were corroborated by another viral video footage from the burial venue showing drops and stains of fresh blood on the floor of the house where some of the guests and mourners rushed into when the Gunmen arrived and opened fire.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra State, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, who confirmed the incident in a statement to newsmen, revealed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Echeng Echeng has ordered manhunt on gunmen, and noted that the the operatives, comprising Police Mobile Force, Counter Terrorist unit, Special forces and others are already in the area, adding that normalcy has been restored, while operation and investigations are still going on.

He also confirmed that the hoodlums also the Utuh Vigilante Office in Nnewi South Local Government Area, abducted one one of the staff and set the Viligante Operation vehicle on fire.

“The Command, while assuring that the police and other security agents are firm in providing security services in the state, also urges residents of the area to help Police with information that will aid the ongoing operation and investigation,” he said.

“Further details shall be communicated, please,” he added.