A police officer and a member of the Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG) were injured during a gunfight with unidentified assailants at a police checkpoint in the Ajali community, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The assailants had allegedly been trailed by the security forces after they reportedly stole a vehicle and other items from unsuspecting members of the public.
The incident, which took place late Thursday night, sent shockwaves through the community as heavy gunfire broke out, lasting for several minutes.
Although no lives were lost, two security vehicles were set on fire during the confrontation.
The attackers, who had initially opened fire upon realizing they were being followed, abandoned their vehicle and fled the scene after one of the police officers shot out a tire of their Toyota Hilux.
An eyewitness, who wished to remain anonymous, described the scene, stating, “The armed men came out of their vehicle and exchanged fire with security personnel. During the shootout, they set fire to two security vehicles, which were part of the Umuchu Vigilante team. The same group had earlier burned another vehicle in the area, making it three vehicles within the past week.”
While the gun battle was intense, the local vigilante operatives managed to retaliate, causing the attackers to flee.
However, the recent surge in such incidents has heightened fears over the safety of the community, particularly with the festive season approaching.
Anambra State Police Command Spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident in a statement on Friday.
He said the injured personnel were promptly taken to the hospital for treatment.
He also provided details about the confrontation, noting that the police had been alerted to the presence of the armed men on the Umuchu-Amesi-Uga Road.
The police intercepted a stolen vehicle, a blue Hilux, and found food preservation coolers inside.
Ikenga added, “During the attack, one police officer and one AVG operative were injured and are currently receiving treatment. Sadly, the two operational vehicles of the AVG were completely destroyed in the fire.”
He assured the public that joint security operations are ongoing in the area, and further updates would be provided.
