Four members of the Anambra Vigilante Services (AVS) were killed on Monday morning in separate attacks by gunmen in Anambra State.
The incidents occurred in Ukpo, Dunukofia Local Government Area, and Abatete, Idemili North LGA.
Truthlive News learnt that three vigilante members were ambushed and killed at the Ukpo roundabout, where the attackers also set their operational vehicle on fire before fleeing the scene. In Abatete, one vigilante member was killed, while a trader and another vigilante narrowly escaped with gunshot wounds.
The attacks followed Governor Charles Soludo’s directive for traders to ignore the Indigenous People of Biafra’s (IPOB) Monday sit-at-home order and resume business as usual.
An eyewitness described the chaos in Ukpo, reporting that the gunmen arrived shooting indiscriminately and chanting, “No Biafra, No Freedom.”
“They targeted a Sienna bus carrying AVS personnel, killing three occupants. The attackers also abducted about seven individuals and injured several others before fleeing,” he said.
The Police Public Relations Officer for Anambra State, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incidents.
He stated that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ukpo is currently investigating the attacks.