Panic gripped residents of Ogboji in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State on Monday as gunmen stormed a meeting venue and opened fire on attendees, killing at least 19 people.
According to Vanguard, eyewitnesses said the attackers, who arrived in two Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), targeted a gathering believed to be composed of indigenes of Ebonyi State.
The motive behind the gruesome attack remains unclear.
Sources, however, suggest the assault may be connected to renewed enforcement efforts of the banned sit-at-home order in the region.
Others claim the massacre may have stemmed from internal disputes, noting that the assailants allegedly demanded to see the minutes of the meeting before unleashing gunfire.
“They came suddenly, asking for the minutes of the meeting. Before anyone could respond, they started shooting. It was terrifying,” one survivor, who declined to be named for security reasons, told newsmen.
The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the attack but gave a different casualty figure.
In a statement released Tuesday, Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said 10 people were confirmed dead, while nine others were rushed to the hospital with injuries.
“The armed criminals came in two Sport Utility Vehicles and attacked a gathering, shooting sporadically,” Ikenga said.
“The victims were rushed to the hospital, and regrettably, 10 people were confirmed dead. The bodies have been deposited in the morgue.”
He added that a combined team of police officers and other security agencies had been deployed to the area and had taken control of the scene.
“The command strongly condemns this act of violence and is working with relevant stakeholders to ensure those responsible are brought to justice,” the statement read.
Naija News reports that the attack has sparked widespread fear across Ogboji and neighbouring communities, with residents calling on security agencies to intensify patrols and restore confidence in the area.
A community leader who spoke under anonymity said, “This is not the first time we are seeing strange faces in the area. But this kind of mass killing has never happened before. Our people are afraid.”
As investigations continue, the state government has yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.
The latest tragedy adds to the growing list of security challenges plaguing Anambra and other parts of the Southeast.
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