Two Killed as Gunmen Clash with Security Forces

A deadly confrontation between armed hoodlums and a police-led security team in Anambra State left two civilians dead in the early hours of Wednesday, July 9, following a brazen shooting incident under the Ekwulobia flyover in Aguata Local Government Area.

According to a statement issued by the Anambra State Police Command, the assailants opened fire indiscriminately at the flyover, prompting an immediate and fierce gun battle with the Joint Security Forces.

The operatives neutralised one of the attackers and recovered two firearms, an AK-47 rifle and a pump-action shotgun, alongside four vehicles suspected to be used by the criminals.

Recovered vehicles include a red Toyota Camry (Reg No: ENU 58 SC), a custom-colour Mercedes-Benz GLK without plates, a golden Lexus 330 (Reg No: ENU 815 AP), and an ash Toyota Highlander (Reg No: GDD 517 RW). A brown Toyota Sienna, reportedly belonging to the Anambra State Vigilante Group, was also torched during the incident.

The gunfire exchange, however, tragically resulted in the deaths of two innocent bystanders. Their bodies have been deposited in a morgue, while investigations into their identities and the circumstances of their deaths continue.

In a separate but likely coordinated attack, gunmen targeted the Oko Divisional Police Headquarters. The attempt was swiftly repelled by officers on duty, with no casualties reported. The police said the pursuit of the fleeing attackers is ongoing.

Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has reportedly directed heightened security deployments across the affected areas and urged residents to remain calm and cooperative.

“We have sustained our onslaught operations in the area and will not relent until these criminal elements are flushed out,” said SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer, in the official statement.

Further updates are expected as security operations continue in the region.