At least seven individuals, including police officers and two civilians, were killed when unidentified attackers struck security personnel in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Reports say the assailants stormed a location where preparations for a funeral were taking place and began firing indiscriminately, resulting in multiple fatalities. Witness accounts indicated that the incident took place early on Monday.
The motive for the assault remains unclear officially; however, local sources suggested it might relate to the ultimatum from the attackers stating that “no burial ceremony” could be conducted in the community without their authorization.
The Anambra State Police Command spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident in a press release late Monday, saying that the Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Itam, has initiated a swift search for the fleeing attackers.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Itam, has ordered an immediate pursuit of the assailants who attacked security forces and unarmed civilians in Ihiala at approximately 11:20 a.m. on December 30, 2024.
“This tragic incident led to the loss of seven lives, including two innocent passers-by. A Joint Security Team managed to rescue one victim, who was receiving medical attention in a hospital.
“During an on-site evaluation visit, the CP spoke with some witnesses about the occurrence. Additional information revealed that the armed men began shooting randomly at a site where preparations for the funeral, scheduled for January 2, 2025, were ongoing.”
Ikenga also said that while fleeing, the gunmen shot at two law enforcement officers stationed near a security observation post beside the Local Government Headquarters along the Express Road.
“In light of this, the CP expressed his sympathies to the families and friends affected, particularly the residents of Ihiala, regarding this tragic event. He also reassured that the culprits behind this atrocious act would be pursued relentlessly,” He added.
