An undisclosed number of people have been killed by gunmen in an attack near the Afor Market Junction in the Nawfia community, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Sunday.
Residents described panic and chaos as the gunmen reportedly opened fire on unsuspecting members of the community.
According to residents, some victims were fatally injured, while others fled for safety.
An eyewitness 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 attack has left our community shaken.”
Some other residents who also spoke on the gunmen attack said they were still in shock, with many calling for increased security presence.
An eyewitness near the scene stated, “It was chaos. The attackers came out of nowhere this evening in a commando-like fashion and started shooting indiscriminately.
“The police have launched an investigation into the attacks and are working to apprehend the perpetrators.”
Video footage of the tragedy, which is currently circulating online, shows members of the community fleeing for safety while several lifeless bodies lie in a pool of blood on the ground.
The President General of the Nawfia Progressive Union, Chief Daniel Okoye, confirmed the development in a press statement on Sunday, saying appropriate security authorities have already been alerted and investigations have commenced to identify individuals involved.
Okoye said, “This evening, I received with deep shock the tragic news of an attack at the Afor Market Junction in the Nawfia community.
“The incident resulted in multiple casualties, caused by unknown assailants who carried out this senseless act of violence.
“I strongly condemn this heartbreaking incident and the attempt to disrupt the peace of our beloved community. I have already contacted the relevant security agencies, and investigations are underway to uncover those responsible.
“I appeal to all Ndi Nawfia to remain calm, stay vigilant, and continue to cooperate with security operatives as they work tirelessly to restore normalcy and ensure our safety.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families affected. On behalf of the Nawfia Progressive Union, I extend our deepest sympathies and assure you that we are fully committed to supporting efforts aimed at protecting lives and maintaining peace in Nawfia.”
SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Anambra State Police Command spokesman, could not be reached for comment.
However, a police source who spoke on the condition of anonymity stated that “the police have launched an investigation into the attacks and are working to apprehend the perpetrators.”
