GUNMEN STRIKE IN AWKA: FOUR KILLED, ONE ABDUCTED
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At least four persons were killed in Ifite-Awka, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, when unidentified gunmen invaded the area, shooting sporadically into the air.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday evening caused pandemonium in the community, forcing residents to flee to their homes while traders hurriedly close their shops and scampered for safety.
Eyewitnesses told Vanguard that the hoodlums attacked several popular locations, including Book Foundation Junction, Ukwu Aki Bus Stop, “B” Bus Stop, Commissioners’ Quarters, and the Bamboo area of the capital city.
Newsmen who visited the area on Thursday, gathered that during the attack, the gunmen kidnapped the manager of a popular hotel in Awka and his whereabouts still remain unknown as at the time of filing this report.
A trader who deals on groceries, who pleaded anonymity said, “It was a panic situation around 7 pm yesterday, Wednesday, when the hoodlums suddenly arrived and started shooting sporadically into the air.
“They shot and killed three people at Book Foundation Junction and one person at Ukwu Aki Bus Stop. They also invaded a popular hotel at Commissioners’ Quarters, and kidnapped the manager, and his whereabouts is still unknown as I’m speaking with you.
“We heard they were demanding N12 million ransom for the release of the kidnapped hotel manager. Although the hotel workers said the initial demand was N20 million before it was reduced to N12 million.
“I was at my shop when we heard gunshots. Everyone panicked and ran for safety. Traders locked their shops hurriedly, and as of today, many shops still remained closed.”
Another resident, identified simply as Chibuike, said that “About three people were killed at Ifite yesterday night, one at ‘B’ Bus Stop and the others at Book Foundation Junction.
“They also struck at a hotel in Commissioners’ Quarters, kidnapped three people, and left with their cars. This morning, one person was shot dead around the Ukwu Aki area. This December is becoming very bloody. May God have mercy. Everyone should be cautious about their movements.”
Some officials of the hotel confirmed the incident but declined to comment further, stating that they were not authorised to speak.
The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, when contacted, seemed not to he aware of the incident. He however, said, “Thank you for this information, but if you know the relatives of these victims, let them come forward, please.”
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