The Police Command in Anambra has launched a manhunt for suspected killers of 10 persons in Ogboji, Orumba-South Local Government Area (LGA) of the state on June 30.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Awka.
The victims, who were mostly from Ebonyi state, had gathered at the community for the monthly town union meeting on Monday when the gunmen struck, shooting at the attendees from point-blank range.
The Anambra police command said 10 persons were killed during the incident, but the Ebonyi state government said 13 indigenes lost their lives.
“The Police Command in Anambra has condemned the indiscriminate shooting incident that resulted in fatal injuries and fatalities to 10 persons on the evening of June 30 at Ogboji, Orumba-South LGA of the state.
“The police have further assured that the Command shall hunt down the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” he said.
Ikenga said that the armed criminals came in two Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and attacked the gathering of a group unprovoked, shooting sporadically.
He said that the victims were later taken to a hospital, where 10 people were confirmed dead.
The police spokesman also said that the bodies of the victims have been deposited in the morgue.
He further said that the police led security team had taken over the scene of the incident and were working on the necessary information to arrest the perpetrators of the heinous crime.
Nwifuru seeks action against killers
Gov. Francis Nwifuru has urged relevant authorities to arrest and prosecute those responsible for the killing.
Nwifuru, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor, on Wednesday, said he had contacted his Anambra counterpart, Prof. Charles Soludo, for a thorough investigation into the matter.
“I trust the Anambra government and relevant security agencies to swiftly apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators.
“Failure to do so or compromise is capable of affecting the relationship between both states,” the statement read.
He said the act was a senseless act of violence against law-abiding citizens and a direct assault on the peace, unity, and sanctity of human life.
“The close-range shooting of Ebonyi people holding their meeting in a peaceful manner defies all reason and logic.
“I strongly condemn this heinous and unacceptable act in its entirety,” the statement read.
Nwifuru appealed to Ebonyi people, particularly the affected families and communities, to remain calm as he awaits the outcome of investigations.
“They should refrain from any reprisal action that may escalate tensions. (NAN)
