GUNMEN KILL 13 IN EBONYI COMMUNITY MEETING ATTACK IN ANAMBRA’S OGBOJI TOWN

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Panic gripped residents of Ogboji community in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State late Monday evening as unidentified gunmen launched a deadly attack on a peaceful gathering, killing at least 13 people and injuring others.

The assailants, who reportedly arrived in two Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs), stormed a meeting of non-indigenous residents—mainly from Ebonyi State—and opened fire without warning. The victims were holding their monthly welfare meeting when the attack occurred between 6:00pm and 7:00pm.

Eyewitness accounts and local leaders described the attack as sudden and unprovoked. One of the survivors, Augustine Odom, Chairman of the Ebonyi Community in Ogboji, narrated that the attackers demanded the group’s minutes book before opening fire on participants.

“They collected our minutes book, ordered everyone to lie down, and then asked the chairman to stand. Moments later, they started shooting. About 13 of our members were killed on the spot. The treasurer and I survived with gunshot wounds,” Odom recounted from his hospital bed.

According to Odom, the victims were from various communities in Ebonyi State, including Izzi, Ikwo, Mgbo, and surrounding villages. He stressed that the group had no known disputes and were merely gathering for mutual support.

President of the Association of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State, Chigozie Nweke, confirmed the incident, describing it as tragic and calling on authorities to act swiftly.

“It was a horrifying evening. The victims were mostly Ebonyi indigenes residing in Ogboji. We urge the Anambra State Government and Commissioner of Police to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice,” Nweke said.

Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the attack. Police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that 10 fatalities had been confirmed, though community sources maintained the death toll stands at 13.

“The Command condemns the indiscriminate shooting that led to the loss of lives. The scene has been cordoned off, and a police-led security team is working to arrest the perpetrators,” Ikenga said.

He added that the victims were taken to a nearby hospital where 10 were pronounced dead, and their remains have been deposited at the morgue.

The police have assured the public of a thorough investigation and promised that those behind the senseless killings will be brought to book.