Tension enveloped the Ekwulobia and Oko communities in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State on Wednesday after armed assailants launched a deadly attack, leaving at least four people dead and several vehicles destroyed.
The incident, which occurred around 8 a.m., saw the gunmen open fire indiscriminately while positioning themselves on a newly constructed bridge connecting the two towns.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers ambushed a joint patrol team made up of police officers, soldiers, and local vigilante operatives, sparking panic among residents and commuters who fled for safety.
“The gunmen arrived in large numbers, heavily armed. They mounted the bridge and launched an attack on the joint security patrol team, including members of the state’s Agunaechemba security outfit,” a witness told reporters on condition of anonymity. “There was chaos everywhere.
People heading to work and traders opening their shops ran for cover. Two people were even shot inside a tricycle.”
Viral videos shared online captured the panic as gunfire rang out and people scrambled for safety. A patrol vehicle belonging to the Anambra State Vigilante Group was also set on fire.
While local accounts indicated that four people were feared dead, the Anambra State Police Command confirmed two fatalities.
In a statement, police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga said a joint security team swiftly responded to the attack and engaged the assailants in a gun battle.
“Anambra police-led security force contained a shooting incident in the early hours of July 9, 2025, at the Oko and Ekwulobia flyover,” Ikenga stated. “During the exchange, one of the armed criminals was neutralised.
Officers recovered an AK-47 rifle, an automatic pump-action gun, and four vehicles used by the attackers.”
Recovered vehicles included a red Toyota Camry (ENU 58 SC), a gold Lexus 330 (ENU 815 AP), a custom-coloured Mercedes-Benz GLK without number plates, and an ash Toyota Highlander (GDD 517 RW).
“Unfortunately, two civilians lost their lives, and a brown Toyota Sienna van—reportedly belonging to the state’s vigilante group—was set ablaze.
The bodies of the victims have been deposited in the morgue,” he added.
Ikenga also disclosed a separate attempted attack on the Oko Divisional Police Headquarters, which was successfully repelled by officers on duty.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered heightened security in the area. Residents have been urged to remain calm while security operations continue.