AWKA, Nigeria (BN24) — Panic swept through the Ogboji community in Nigeria’s Anambra State late Monday after gunmen stormed a monthly community gathering and opened fire, killing at least 10 people and injuring several more, authorities said.
The attackers arrived in two sport utility vehicles and ambushed residents who had convened in Orumba South Local Government Area for their regular meeting, eyewitnesses said.
According to Augustine Odom, chairman of the Ebonyi community in Ogboji and one of the two survivors, the assailants first demanded the group’s minutes book before ordering everyone to lie down and then opening fire without warning.
“They collected our minutes book, ordered everyone to lie down, and asked the chairman to stand,” Odom recounted. “Moments later, they started shooting at us. About 13 of our members were killed on the spot. The treasurer and I survived with gunshot wounds.”
Odom said the gathering was a routine monthly meeting of residents from Ebonyi State, intended to discuss welfare and community support. “We have no issues with anyone,” he said. “We are law-abiding residents who simply gathered to support one another.”
Chigozie Nweke, President of the Association of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State, said most of the victims were Ebonyi natives from the Izzi, Ikwo, Mgbo and other villages. Nweke described the scene as “tragic and horrifying,” adding that the attack unfolded between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
In an appeal to authorities, Nweke called on Anambra State Police Commissioner Ikioye Orutugu to deploy security personnel to track down the attackers.
Police spokesman SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the assault, saying officers rushed the injured to the hospital, where 10 people were pronounced dead. Their bodies were later deposited in a local morgue.
“The Anambra State Police Command has condemned the indiscriminate shooting incident that resulted in fatal injuries and fatalities to ten persons,” Ikenga said in a statement Tuesday. “The armed criminals came in two SUVs and attacked the gathering unprovoked, shooting sporadically.”
Police have cordoned off the area and launched an investigation to identify and apprehend the assailants.
Witnesses said the attackers appeared to have carefully planned the assault. Odom noted the gunmen seemed familiar with the group’s routine, targeting them during their customary last-Monday-of-the-month meeting.
The survivors, still receiving treatment for gunshot wounds, expressed disbelief and sorrow, insisting they had never had any disputes that could have provoked the violence.
Authorities have pledged to track down those responsible and bring them to justice.
