GUNMEN SETS LG SECRETARIAT ABLAZE IN ANAMBRA

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The Ogbaru Local Government Secretariat in Anambra State was attacked by a group of gunmen who are rumored to be numerous.

It was reported that the thugs burned down many administrative buildings, including a town hall intended for traditional rulers, when they broke into the LGA secretariat early on Friday.

This is the second time in two months that gunmen will target the Ogbaru LGA since a similar incident was carried out on June 15, 2024.

Although there were no casualties confirmed at the moment, sources in the region who witnessed the Friday event said the hoodlums shot indiscriminately into the air, consequently creating terror for people.

The residents of Ogbaru claim that a security guard was shot and died a few days ago as a result of the gunmen’s attack, which has raised new worries about security in the area.

A local source stated that approximately thirty gunmen, firing into the air as they invaded the local government headquarters, shouted songs as they emerged from the bush at around five in the morning.

“They trekked from their hideouts and got to Atani Magistrate Court located near the council and started setting some buildings within the council ablaze, including the main secretariat and traditional rulers’ buildings.

“Sincerely speaking a lot is happening and the security situation in the area is getting worse and nobody cares to speak up because of fear. Just yesterday a security man known as CY died as a result of the bullet wound he sustained during a gun battle with the gunmen at the Amiyi community on 27-8-2024.

“On August 5, two young men were shot dead by the hoodlums and five days ago, a retired policeman was beaten to death by the same criminal gang.”

When contacted, the Anambra state police spokesman, Superintendent of Police, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, adding that a joint security operation is still going on in the area.

Ikenga said, “The Commissioner of Police, Anambra state Police Command, Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Itam, has condemned the morning attack at the Ogbaru Local Government Headquarters Secretariat by the gunmen.

“The security operatives gallantly resisted the attack of the gunmen on Ogbaru LGA in the early hours of today, August 30. Some LGA properties were destroyed, and some buildings were also affected, but no life was lost.

“The hoodlums fled the scene due to the superior firepower of security operatives. At the moment, the joint security operation is still ongoing. Further development shall be communicated, please.”

Recall that on June 15, 2024, the same Ogbaru LG was attacked by unidentified gunmen who arrived in huge numbers on motorbikes and opened fire without remorse.

The police called the attack, which resulted in the destruction of four vigilante patrol vehicles, cowardly.