The President-General of Awgbu community, in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Emmanuel Akidi, on Sunday demanded justice for five persons reportedly killed during last week’s attack on the community.
He said the deceased were killed and property worth over N10m were destroyed when hoodlums invaded the community last Thursday.
Akidi spoke at a press conference in Awka on Sunday. He added that over 20 shops were set ablaze during the attack described as a reprisal.
He said, “Awgbu town was attacked last Thursday leading to the death of five of our indigenes and the loss of property valued at over N10m.
“On the afternoon of Wednesday, May 17, 2023, a commercial tricycle was chased into Awgbu town through Amaokpala by some commercial motorcyclists who claimed that they were armed robbers.
“A large crowd had gathered to join those who chased them into the town.
In the ensuing melee, three of the occupants were caught. The Awgbu Vigilante Service was able to rescue one of them and promptly handed him over to the police.
“The crowd, which had become uncontrollable at the time, took the other two to the boundary of Awgbu-Agulu and executed them.
“Unfortunately, on Thursday, May 18, 2023, Awgbu was attacked by some hoodlums riding tricycles, whom eyewitnesses said came from Awka axis. The hoodlums set the market on fire and shot four persons dead and burnt one in his shop.
“There are suggestions that the Thursday night attack is linked to Wednesday’s incident and that the attackers were on a reprisal.”
Akidi urged the Anambra State Police command to get to the root of the matter and ensure that the culprits were made to face the wrath of the law and give justice to the families of those killed.
“We plead with the Anambra State Government to come to the aid of the families of those killed and those who lost their property in the arson in the market by compensating the victims,” he added.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, who also confirmed the incident in a press statement, said, “Following information on sporadic gunshot sounds and fire incidents in the Awgbu community, Orumba North, the joint security force was deployed to restore law and order.
“Preliminary assessments by the operatives showed that about 20 shops were affected by the burning fire while three persons who sustained gunshot injuries were immediately rushed to the hospital and one of the victims was later confirmed dead by the doctor.”
