Gunmen massacre residents in deadly attack on Anambra community

Several people were feared killed on Sunday when armed men launched a vicious attack near Afor Market Junction in Nawfia, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Eyewitness accounts described scenes of terror as the gunmen stormed the busy junction and opened fire indiscriminately on unsuspecting residents. Some victims were reportedly shot at close range, while others fled in panic.

A resident said, “The armed hoodlums invaded Afor Market Junction and immediately opened fire, killing a lot of people. Nobody knows the reason behind the attack; the incident has left our community shaken.”

Another eyewitness, still traumatised, added, “It was chaos. The attackers came out of nowhere in a commando-like fashion and started shooting indiscriminately.”

Video footage circulating online shows residents running for their lives as several lifeless bodies lay in pools of blood.

Confirming the attack, the President General of Nawfia Progressive Union, Chief Daniel Okoye, described the incident as a “senseless act of violence,” saying security agencies had been alerted and investigations were underway.

“This evening, I received with deep shock the tragic news of an attack at the Afor Market Junction in Nawfia community,” he stated.

“The incident resulted in multiple casualties, caused by unknown assailants. I strongly condemn this heartbreaking act and the attempt to disrupt the peace of our beloved community. Security agencies have been contacted, and investigations are already ongoing.”

Okoye urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security operatives as efforts continue to restore normalcy.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the affected families. On behalf of the Nawfia Progressive Union, I extend our deepest sympathies and assure you of our commitment to supporting efforts aimed at protecting lives and maintaining peace in Nawfia,” he added.

Efforts to reach the Anambra State Police Command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, were unsuccessful.

However, a senior police officer, who asked not to be named, confirmed that an investigation had begun.

“We condemn these heinous acts and assure the public that everything possible will be done to bring the perpetrators to justice,” he said.