No fewer than 4 individuals had been feared killed in Ifite-Awka, Awka South Native Authorities Space of Anambra State, when unidentified hoodlums invaded the realm, firing pictures into the air.
The incident, which occurred late on Wednesday, prompted panic in the neighborhood, forcing residents to flee to their houses and merchants to shut their outlets abruptly.
Eyewitnesses reported that the hoodlums attacked a number of well-liked places, together with E-book Basis Junction, Ukwu Aki Bus Cease, “B” Bus Cease, Commissioners’ Quarters, and the Bamboo space.
Our correspondent, who visited the realm on Thursday, gathered that through the assault, the hoodlums kidnapped the supervisor of a well-liked lodge (title withheld). His whereabouts stay unknown.
A dealer dealing in groceries, who spoke anonymously, mentioned, “It was a panic scenario round 7 pm yesterday (Wednesday) when the hoodlums immediately arrived and began taking pictures into the air.
“They shot and killed three folks at E-book Basis Junction and one particular person at Ukwu Aki Bus Cease. Additionally they invaded a well-liked lodge at Commissioners’ Quarters, and kidnapped the supervisor, and his whereabouts are nonetheless unknown.
“We heard they had been demanding N12 million ransom for his launch, although the lodge employees mentioned the preliminary demand was N20 million earlier than it was lowered.
“I used to be at my store after we heard gunshots. Everybody panicked and ran for security. Merchants locked their outlets hurriedly, and as of as we speak, many outlets stay closed.”
One other resident, recognized merely as Chibuike, added,
“About three folks had been killed at Ifite yesterday evening—one at ‘B’ Bus Cease and the others at E-book Basis Junction.
“Additionally they struck at a lodge in Commissioners’ Quarters, kidnapped three folks, and left with their automobiles. This morning, one particular person was shot useless across the Ukwu Aki space. This December is changing into very bloody. Could God have mercy. Everybody must be cautious about their actions.”
Some officers of the lodge confirmed the incident however declined to remark additional, stating they weren’t authorised to talk.
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, mentioned, “Thanks for this data, but when you already know the family members of those victims, allow them to come ahead, please.”