Varsity Students Flee Community Following Deadly Attack That Left 9 Dead

Awka – Anambra State government has imposed a curfew on six communities, following reports of insecurity and violence.

The Anambra communities include Igbariam, Aguleri, Umueri, Nteje, Awkuzu And Umunya.

In a statement on Monday, the Secretary to Anambra state government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu said the curfew which began yesterday, 26th April, 2021, is between 7pm and 6am daily.

The statement advised Ndi Anambra and residents of the state living in the communities to obey the curfew order, as security personnel are on strict orders to enforce the curfew.

TNC correspondent in Anambra gathered that the curfew may not be unconnected with yesterday’s attack on Ukpomachi village, Awkuzu in Oyi Council Area of the State, by unknown gunmen, which had left nine persons dead.

The dastardly act was allegedly carried out by assailants, said to be armed with machetes and other dangerous weapons, who invaded the village in their numbers and attacked the residents.

Responding to an inquiry raised by TNC correspondent on the development, the State Spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed that nine persons whose identities are yet unknown, were killed in the attack while others sustained injuries and buildings and livestock destroyed.

The PPRO said the State Commissioner Of Police, CP Monday Bala Kuryas has ordered the immediate deployment of the Command’s Operational and Intelligence assets to identify and apprehend the unknown armed men, responsible for the attack.

He also revealed that a crack team of Police Operatives of the Command, led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police, have visited the scene and conducted on-spot-the assessment of the incidence and have successfully restored normalcy in the area.

Meanwhile, students of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University living in Awkuzu, have fled their hostels for fear of being attacked following the incident.

Some of the students who spoke to our correspondent alleged that the nine persons killed in the attack were members of a Fulani family.

According to them, they are running for fear of reprisal attacks.

“I am going home please. I even saw Fulani people going to confirm that it was their people that were killed. I don’t know whether it is true because they were all beheaded. This has gone beyond mere promises by government to provide safety. Where were they when the attackers arrived and carried out this deadly attack? Until I am sure that everywhere is safe, I am not returning,” a student said.

The state Police spokesperson was not able to confirm the veracity of the claims that the slain were Fulanis, as at the time of filing this report.

 

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