At least 19 individuals were killed when gunmen in two Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) broke into a meeting space in Ogboji, Orumba South Local Government Area, Anambra State.  

Witnesses reported that the attackers targeted a group of people who were reportedly meeting at the site and were thought to be Ebonyi State natives.  

Although the attack's motivation is yet unknown, several sources hypothesize that it might have something to do with the region's renewed implementation of the sit-at-home ban.  

Others speculate that the shooting may have been the result of internal conflicts because the gunmen allegedly demanded the meeting minutes before shooting the participants.

Despite reporting a lower death toll, the Anambra State Police Command has acknowledged the occurrence.  SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer, said in a statement that nine people were injured and ten confirmed dead.

“The armed criminals came in two Sport Utility Vehicles and attacked a gathering, shooting sporadically,” the statement read. “The victims were rushed to the hospital, and regrettably, 10 people were confirmed dead. The bodies have been deposited in the morgue.”

A team of police and other security personnel has taken over the location and started investigating to find the attackers, SP Ikenga continued.

“The command strongly condemns this act of violence and is working with relevant stakeholders to ensure those responsible are brought to justice,” he stated.

Residents' anxieties have been heightened by the occurrence, which has also highlighted the state's growing insecurity in some areas.

Source