By Cajetan Mmuta, Awka
Anxiety mounted Awgbu in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra state following an attack by suspected armed criminals
The hoodlums were said to have stormed the Eke Awgbu market on Thursday night.
It was learnt that they commandeered traders into their various shops and sprayed petrol on them, which set the area on fire.
An unconfirmed number of persons reportedly died in the pandemonium.
An eye witness stated the criminals had proceeded to the Eke Awgbu market security post and gunned down three local vigilance operatives.
He said the criminals also robbed in the Amaokpala area from where they fled to an unknown location.
It was learned that luck ran out of them when a tipper knocked the vehicle carrying them into a nearby gutter.
It was also gathered that those who escaped later returned to the tense scene to take away the remains of their dead members and swooped on the people with the worst attacks.
Several shops, motorcycles, and other properties were set ablaze.
The actual number of casualties could not be ascertained as of the time of filing this report.
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Police Public Relations Officer of the state command, SSP Ikenga Tochukwu said the situation is being monitored, and efforts are already in place to arrest the perpetrators.
Ikenga in a statement to newsmen on Friday said: “Following information on sporadic gunshot sounds and fire incidents in the Awgbu community, Orumba North, the joint security forces have been deployed to restore law and order.
“Preliminary assessments by the Operatives show that about 20 shops were affected by the 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.
“The situation is being monitored, and efforts are already in place to arrest the perpetrators. Further details shall be communicated, please.”
