Killing Of Three In Anambra Community: Police Moves To Avert Reprisal Attack

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Following the attack on Isionye Community Nawfia, in Njikoka Local Council of Anambra State on Monday, September 9, 2024, by some gunmen which left three people dead and about five persons critically injured, the state Police Command has summoned  key officials of the Communities.

The victims of the attack were said to be lured to the scene by the gunmen who posed as real estate developers.

The gunmen were said to have opened fire on the people they had gathered under the pretense of buying land, and left no fewer than three persons dead. Five others were seriously injured.

“Unidentified gunmen invaded our community in Isionye Enugu Ukwu in Njikoka Local Government this evening killing three people and wounding others.

“They arrived in a Sienna Toyota Vehicle posing as potential land buyers. None of us sensed danger, until they brought out their weapons and began to shoot”, a witness volunteered.

However the Anambra State Command which confirmed the incident on Tuesday, September 10, promised to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack and those behind it.

Tochukwu Ikenga, SP spokesperson for the Command, in a statement said preliminary reports suggested that the victims were deceived into coming to the land under the pretense of real estate transaction before being assaulted with firearms and machetes.

“The testimonies of the injured victims who are currently receiving medical treatment are aiding the investigation, while the bodies of the deceased have been taken to the. morgue”, Ikenga said on Tuesday .

Speaking on Wednesday, September 11, the Command spokesman informed that following growing tension, accusations and counter- accusations, the Police authorities have moved to  invite the leadership of the affected Communities.

Speculations have been rife that the three dead persons who were from the Enugu Ukwu axis were actually lured and murdered by suspects from neighbouring Nawfia owing to lingering land crisis.

However, the leadership of Nawfia Community has rejected the claim, insisting on their innocence.

It is against the backdrop of the mutual suspicion that have trailed the unfortunate incident, that the Anambra police said it is stepping in to avoid the escalation of the problem.

Ikenga said the two President- Generals of the warring communities have been summoned as part of the police trouble-shooting efforts.

The Source reports that tension has been building  between the two Communities, since Tuesday, with not a few fearing the break down of law and order.