In the early hours of Friday, a group of gunmen attacked the Ogbaru Local Government Secretariat in Anambra State, setting multiple buildings ablaze. The attack, which occurred around 5 a.m., involved a large number of assailants—estimated to be about 30—who emerged from nearby bushes and began firing indiscriminately into the air. They targeted administrative facilities, including a town hall for traditional rulers.
This incident marks the second attack on the Ogbaru LGA in two months; a similar attack had occurred on June 15, 2024. Although there were no immediate reports of casualties from Friday’s attack, witnesses reported that the gunmen’s actions caused significant panic among local residents. The attackers managed to set several buildings on fire before security forces arrived and engaged them, causing the assailants to flee.
Local sources revealed that the area has been experiencing heightened security issues. Just days prior to the latest attack, a security guard was killed due to gunshot wounds inflicted by the same group. In addition, on August 5, two young men were killed by the gunmen, and a retired policeman was beaten to death by the gang five days ago.
The Anambra State Police, led by Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the attack and reported that a joint security operation is underway in the area. Police Commissioner Nnaghe Itam condemned the attack and noted that while some properties were damaged, no lives were lost. The police response, which included superior firepower, drove the gunmen away. The ongoing security operation aims to restore order and address the escalating violence in the region.
Previously, on June 15, 2024, an attack by unidentified assailants on motorcycles had similarly targeted Ogbaru LGA, destroying four vigilante patrol vehicles. The police described that attack as an act of cowardice.
By Ebubedike Ochu
