From Ifeoma Ejiofor
Gunmen whose number could not be specified at the moment have struck at Ihiala in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State killing seven people in the process.
Many other people were said to have sustained varying degrees of injuries during the attack.
The attackers were said to have laid siege on a venue where preparations were ongoing for a funeral ceremony and were shooting sporadically into the air.
The development caused tension and panic in the sleepy town.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police,Nnaghe Obono Itam(CP) has ordered an immediate manhunt of the assailants who attacked Security Operatives and unarmed civilians in Ihiala by 11.20am today 30th December 2024.
The CP’s order was contained in a press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the command, Tochukwu Ikenga(SP)
The PPRO said that the unfortunate attack resulted in the death of seven persons among which are two unarmed passers-by.
He said that the Joint Security Team rescued one of the victims who is currently responding to treatment in a hospital.
“The CP while on an on-the-spot assessment visit to the scene interviewed some eye witnesses of the incident. Information also had it that the armed men started shooting sporadically at a venue where preparations are ongoing for a burial ceremony slated for 2nd of January, 2025.
“Also, while escaping the scene, the armed men shot at two Security Operatives at a security Observation Post close to the Local Government Headquaters by the Express Road.
“To this end, the CP extends his condolences to the families and friends, especially the good people of Ihiala over the sad incident. He further assured that the perpetrators of this heinous crime would be hunted down,” Ikenga said.