•••Burn Down Ihiala LGA Secretariat, Kill three Vigilantes
By Kamsi Anayo, Awka
Gunmen in the early hours of Thursday burnt the Ihiala Local Government Area headquarters and the Area office of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The hoodlums killed three of the vigilantes on duty while one of the hoodlums died in the attack.
This came barely 48 hours after some hoodlums attacked a police station in the area.
This is as the attacks in Anambra State have continued unabated and as the rampaging gunmen carry out heinous attacks with sickening audacity.
A source who spoke to our correspondent in confidence said , “In the early hours of Jan.12, 2022, the notorious gunmen struck again at a community in Anambra State.
“This time they struck the secretariat of the Ihiala Local Government Area. The attackers first engaged the vigilante men who were securing the secretariat in a gun duel. It resulted in the death of three vigilante men and the death of one the gunmen.”
The source described the attack as ‘heavy’ , adding, “The gun fire was non-stop. The gunmen unleashed mayhem and displayed portions rage. They began setting fire to many of the buildings at the secretariat.
” The LGA administrative block was burnt, the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) Office was burnt, the Health office building was burnt, the Youth Corpers (NYSC)Office was burnt, the Education Office was completely burnt, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Office was also burnt.”
Another source said the gunmen came from Orlu in neighbouring Imo State, stating that shortly after the gunmen escaped the security agencies arrived.
The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident to our correspondent.
He said,”Following the Police/Military operations ongoing in ihaila and its neighboring town, the Operatives responding to a distress call at about 2:55 am, today( Thursday) of an attack on Ihiala local government headquarters, neutralized one of the attackers, recovered two locally made IED luncher, seven undenoted IED, 40 pieces of live cartridges, 15 live 7.62MM Ak47 ammunition, knives, charms, and other dangerous weapons.
“The attackers had already murdered, three vigilante operatives on duty, beheaded one and set five buildings ablaze with IED and petrol bombs. The joint force operatives engaged the arsonist/attackers, and obstructed them from causing further damages, while some escaped with bullet wounds.
“The bodies of the victims were recovered and joint operations are still ongoing. Further development shall be communicated.”
