Unknown gunmen have reportedly killed four people in an attack at Ukpo, Dunukofia Local Government Area, and Abatete, in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State on Monday, News About Nigeria reports.
This was confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
He noted that the command is aware of the incident, adding that some operatives were deployed to the scene.
According to reports, the victims included residents and security operatives.
The gunmen, suspected to be enforcing the Monday sit-at-home, were said to have arrived in the Abatete community at about 8:30 am and opened fire on some residents. They then proceeded to the Ukpo Roundabout, where they also fired randomly at many people, including members of the Anambra State Vigilante Operatives.
It was gathered that the attackers also set ablaze some vehicles belonging to the vigilante operatives and killed at least four of the vigilante men, among other atrocities, before fleeing the scenes.
The President General of Abatete Community, Chimame Ezigbo, was also hit by a bullet during the attack and was rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention.
The sit-at-home order has been observed in the South East for years and has continued to cause more harm than good to both the residents of the region and its economy. It has crippled businesses and drastically reduced revenues, as Mondays, which are meant to be spent at work and businesses, are now spent indoors.
Many have also questioned the attacks on residents who defy this order, arguing that the enforcers are killing those they are meant to protect.
Calls for the end of the sit-at-home order have been made by residents numerous times, but nothing has been done about it.
