Eight persons were killed and six others missing in a renewed communal clash between Anaku and Omor communities in Ayamelum Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Some youths of Anaku, on Monday, reportedly invaded Omor, killed eight persons, and abducted six others. They allegedly took the victims to a notorious shrine in the community, called Ekwensu Anaku. Residents have fled the area for fear of further attacks.
But police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, said six persons were killed in the crisis, which was triggered by one Nnamdi Maduneke and his accomplices. He, however, said the command is on his trail.
According to Ikenga, a joint task force team has been deployed in the area to reinforce security.
He said: “We have launched a manhunt for Nnamdi Maduneke and his cohorts, who wielded AK-47 rifles in the early hours of yesterday (Monday) to attack Omor.
“According to information received, the suspect and his cohorts, without any provocation, invaded Omar and started to shoot indiscriminately. Six persons died and two others sustained injuries.
“Preliminary information showed that there has been a protracted existing communal dispute between Omor and Anaku.”
An Anambra community leader, who identified himself as Peter Emeka, said: “Maduneke, aka Vulture, a dreaded bandit from Anaku, with his gang members, masterminded the attack.
“Maduneke is a notorious criminal who has been terrorizing communities in Ayamelum, especially Omor. When he arrived on Monday, with his gang members, many people identified him because he is notorious for unleashing mayhem on people, including setting people’s houses on fire once provoked. He brandishes AK-47 at will; even before law enforcement agencies.”
The traditional ruler of Omor, Igwe Oranu Chidume, described the attack as a rude shock as he just finished a peace meeting with leaders of Anaku who have been having issues with his community over the years.
He called for Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s intervention, Commissioner of Police Echeng Echeng, and Ayamelum Leaders of Thought to bring the culprits to justice.
Leader of the Anaku community of Anambra Tony Ifeanya confirmed the development but said the perpetrators were not sent by his people.
Ifeanyi acknowledged that a man from his community, nicknamed ‘Vulture’ has been terrorizing the area with his gang but said he was not acting on the instance of Anaku town.
He said: “Our community is also looking for ‘Vulture’ to arrest him. Whenever we get hold of him, we’ll hand him over to the government for necessary action. Our community and Ayamelum people are already tired of him.”
