A tragic incident occurred on Friday night in Amesi, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, where gunmen attacked a vigilante office, reportedly killing a passerby and setting several vehicles on fire.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the assailants stormed the vigilante facility, burning at least three vehicles and two motorcycles, while firing sporadically to create panic.
The deceased was identified as Nnaka Chinonso, a resident of Udo Village, Akpo.
Reacting to the incident, Valentine Ozigbo, a governorship aspirant in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election, described the attack as a devastating blow to the community’s spirit.
Ozigbo, who visited the scene alongside the Area Commander and Divisional Police Officer, expressed his grief, saying “My heart is heavy as I reflect on the tragedy that struck my beloved hometown, Amesi.”
“A soul with dreams, a story, and a family cut down in an instant by the cruelty of insecurity that continues to haunt our land.”
He commended the swift response of the security personnel and urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to step up efforts to address insecurity in the state.
Ozigbo warned against attempts to downplay the reality of violence in Anambra, stating “Anambra is still bleeding. Our towns, our villages, our people still live under the shadow of fear. Suppressing news of attacks does not stop the violence.”
“Artificial bandaids will not heal wounds that run deep. The blood of Ndi Anambra cries out. We must listen. And we must act.”
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command offered a different account. According to Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, no life was lost during the incident.
He confirmed the attack but assured that the situation was under control.
Ikenga stated “Anambra Police has taken over the scene of an attack on the office of the Vigilantes at Amesi, Aguata Local Government Area at the late hours of yesterday 25th April, 2025.”
“This follows the attack by armed hoodlums on their facility where, unfortunately four patrol vehicles and two motorcycles were burnt as a result of the gun duel by security operatives resisting the armed hoodlums from gaining entrance.”
“However, no life was lost during the incident. Meanwhile, calm has returned to the area as men of the Joint Security Force have intensified offensive operation in the area. The situation is being closely monitored and further developments would be communicated accordingly.”
