A wave of violence swept through Ifite-Awka, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Wednesday, leaving at least four people dead and a hotel manager abducted. The incident, which occurred late in the evening, sent shockwaves through the community, forcing residents to flee their homes and traders to close their shops abruptly.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with unidentified gunmen firing shots into the air and attacking several popular locations, including Book Foundation Junction, Ukwu Aki Bus Stop, “B” Bus Stop, Commissioners’ Quarters, and the Bamboo area.
According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen killed three people at Book Foundation Junction and one person at Ukwu Aki Bus Stop. They also invaded a popular hotel at the Commissioners’ Quarters and kidnapped the manager, whose whereabouts remain unknown.
A trader dealing in groceries, who spoke anonymously, described the incident as a “tense situation.” “It was around 7 pm yesterday (Wednesday) when the gunmen suddenly arrived and started shooting into the air,” the trader said. “They shot and killed three people at Book Foundation Junction and one person at Ukwu Aki Bus Stop.”
The trader also confirmed that the gunmen kidnapped the hotel manager and were demanding a ransom of N12 million for his release. “We heard they were demanding N12 million ransom for his release, though the hotel workers said the initial demand was N20 million before it was reduced,” the trader said.
Another resident, identified simply as Chibuike, confirmed the incident, saying, “About three people were killed at Ifite yesterday night — one at ‘B’ Bus Stop and the others at Book Foundation Junction.” Chibuike also reported that the gunmen struck at a hotel in the Commissioners’ Quarters, kidnapped three people, and left with their cars.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many residents expressing fear and concern for their safety. “This December is becoming very bloody,” Chibuike said. “May God have mercy. Everyone should be cautious about their movements.”
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident but provided few details. “Thank you for this information, but if you know the relatives of these victims, let them come forward, please,” Ikenga said.
The incident is the latest in a series of violent attacks in Anambra State, and residents are calling on the authorities to take urgent action to address the growing insecurity in the state…. Suitable headlines
