Gunmen attack vigilante team in Anambra, injure one, set operation hehicle ablaze

A vigilante team from the Anambra State Vigilante Group (AVG) came under attack on Sunday, November 24, along the Amesi/Uga Road in Aguata Local Government Area.

The incident left one team member injured, and the assailants set the security outfit’s operational vehicle ablaze.

The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the attack in a statement on Monday, saying it occurred around 2:30 p.m. The team, part of the Umuchu extraction of the AVG, was reportedly targeted by gunmen, further escalating security concerns in the state.

While investigations are underway, the police assured residents of intensified efforts to apprehend the culprits and curb the activities of criminal elements in the region.

Ikenga said, “Police-led Security Forces on Sunday 24th November 2024 by 2.30 pm responded swiftly to an attack on members of the Anambra State Vigilantes of Umuchu extraction along Amesi/Uga Road and rescued one wounded Vigilante Operative.

“The Joint Security Forces quickly rushed the victim to the hospital where he is currently responding to treatment and activated intelligent-information-led patrols in the area aimed to deny the criminals the space they enjoy to cause havoc and possibly arrest.

“Unfortunately, during the gun duel bullets hit the fuel tank of the Toyota Frontier Van belonging to the AVG. As a result, the van was razed down.”

Ikenga further stated that in another incident that also occurred on Sunday at 4.30 pm, the Police operatives from Okpoko Divisional headquarters responded to a distress call of a fire outbreak at Chukwunonso Street along Obodoukwu Road Okpoko in the Onitsha area of the state.

According to him, the police operatives cordoned off the scene of the incident to prevent hoodlums from taking undue advantage of the situation to loot properties and goods of individuals.

“Meanwhile, the swift response of the Fire Service Operatives brought the situation under control.

“The Command has however begun an investigation into the cause of the fire incident to avert future occurrence,” he said.