By Okey Maduforo, Awka 


It was yet another blood letting day, Monday, Dec 30, as gun totting men shot two police officers and five persons, believed to be members of the local vigilante group and civilians to death  at Ihiala LGA of Anambra State. The incident reportedly occurred early Monday morning.


In a Press release confirming the bloody incident which left several injured, the Anambra Police Public Relations Office Mr  Tochukwu Ikenga states: 


"The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP  Nnaghe Obono Itam  has ordered an immediate manhunt of the assailants who attacked security operatives and unarmed civilians in Ihiala by 11.20am today  Dec. 30,  2024


"The unfortunate attack resulted in the death of seven persons among which are two unarmed passers-by. The Joint Security Team rescued one of the victims who is currently responding to treatment in a hospital


"The CP while on an on-the-spot assessment visit to the scene interviewed some eye witnesses of the incident. Information also had it that the armed men started shooting sporadically at a venue where preparations are ongoing for a burial ceremony slated for Jan. 2, 2025"


"Also, while escaping the scene, the armed men shot at two security operatives at a security Observation Post close to the Local Government Headquarters by the Express Road" he said.


Also reacting to the incident the Chairman,  Ihiala LGA,  Engr Anayochukwu  Orjiako expressed the unhappiness  over the killings and  condemned the dastardly act in a release to reporters.


"The Chairman strongly condemns this heinous act, which is conspicuously an attack on the security architecture of our LGA.  He sorrowfully expresses his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes the injured personnel a speedy recovery


"We are deeply pained by this senseless killing of our security personnel, who were working tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of our people


"We condemn this act in its entirety and call on the perpetrators to surrender themselves to the authorities or consider themselves to have murdered sleep, the implication of which is glaring" The Ihiala council boss continues.


The Chairman has assured the public that the local government council is working closely with the security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. He has also called for calm and urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.


"We will not be deterred by this act of violence. We will rather continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of our people, and we will do everything in our power to bring the perpetrators to justice.


"We stand with the families of our fallen heroes and will do everything in our power to support them during this difficult time," the Chairman affirmed.