Senator Tony Nwoye, who represents Anambra North Senatorial District, has strongly condemned Monday’s deadline attack by gunmen on vigilantes in the state.
Senator described the attack by unknown gunmen on the vigilante squads of Ukpo community in Dunukofia Local Government Area and Abatete in Idemmili North Local Government Area of Anambra State as “senseless”.
“This heinous act resulted in the loss of lives, injuries, and destruction of operational vehicles,” a statement from the legislator on Monday said.
“This callous act is a cowardly attempt to instill fear and chaos in our communities. We cannot continue to harm our own people under the guise of demanding the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. While we share the pain and frustration of his ongoing detention, violence only perpetuates suffering.”
Nwoye urged Southeast governors, leaders, and stakeholders to “unite in sending a strong delegation to President Bola Tinubu to negotiate a peaceful resolution for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release”.
He said, “Collective engagement and dialogue are crucial in restoring sanity and order to our region.
“My heart goes out to the Ukpo and Abatete communities, who have suffered immense loss. I stand in solidarity with the families of the victims and pledge my support during this difficult time.
“Let us work together to find peaceful solutions, rather than resorting to violence. We owe it to ourselves, our communities, and future generations to foster a culture of understanding and cooperation.
Earlier on Monday, SaharaReporters reported that the tragedy after an attack by gunmen suspected to be enforcing the weekly sit-at-home exercise reportedly left four vigilantes dead.
Seven others were reportedly injured during the attack. Three vigilantes were reportedly killed in Ukpo community while one death was reported in Abatete community.
However, one man suspected to be the President General of Ukpo town and a vigilante narrowly escaped death. They, however, sustained varying degrees of bullet wounds.
Eyewitnesses who spoke to journalists said the gunmen shouted “No Biafra, No Freedom” while firing indiscriminately.
They said the incident occurred when the gunmen stormed the Ukpo roundabout, shooting sporadically and targeting a Toyota Sienna minibus carrying the vigilante members.
One of the eyewitnesses recounted, “They came from nowhere, shooting sporadically and chanting ‘no Biafra, no freedom.’ People started running for safety.”
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, stating that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ukpo Community had commenced an investigation into the incident.
