At least four people were killed in a violent attack by unidentified gunmen in Ifite-Awka, located in the Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The assailants, who arrived on Wednesday evening, opened fire indiscriminately, causing chaos in the area.
The shooting spree sent residents into a panic, with many fleeing to their homes while traders hurriedly closed their shops in an effort to escape.
Eyewitnesses told Vanguard that the gunmen targeted several well-known locations, including Book Foundation Junction, Ukwu Aki Bus Stop, “B” Bus Stop, Commissioners’ Quarters, and the Bamboo area of the capital city.
Reports from the scene indicated that during the attack, the gunmen kidnapped the manager of a prominent hotel in Awka, whose whereabouts remain unknown at the time of reporting.
A local grocery trader, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted the terrifying experience: “It was complete panic around 7 pm when the gunmen arrived and started shooting into the air. They killed three people at Book Foundation Junction and one at Ukwu Aki Bus Stop. They also stormed a hotel at Commissioners’ Quarters and took the manager. We heard they initially demanded N20 million in ransom, but later reduced it to N12 million.”
Residents were visibly shaken, with many shops remaining closed the following day.
Another eyewitness, identified as Chibuike, provided additional details: “Three people were killed last night at Ifite – one at ‘B’ Bus Stop and two at Book Foundation Junction. They also targeted a hotel at Commissioners’ Quarters, kidnapped three individuals, and made off with their vehicles. One more person was killed near Ukwu Aki this morning. This December has been particularly bloody. Everyone should be extra cautious.”
Hotel officials confirmed the incident but declined to offer further details, citing a lack of authorization to speak.
When contacted, Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer Tochukwu Ikenga expressed unawareness of the incident but urged relatives of the victims to come forward with more information.
