By Kamsi Anayo
The sleepy town of Awgbu in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra state has been thrown into mourning following an attack by criminals.
The assailants who stormed the Eke Awgbu market Thursday night commandeered traders into their various shops, sprayed petrol on them and ignited fire which left an unconfirmed number of persons dead.
An eyewitness who pleaded anonymity said the criminals proceeded to the Eke Awgbu market security post and gunned down three local vigilance operatives there.
Narrating how it all started, the eyewitness said the criminals robbed in the Amaokpala area and were fleeing but luck ran out on them when a tipper knocked the vehicle carrying them into the gutter.
The source said those in motorcycles escaped but two of them were killed and burnt by a mob.
It said those who escaped returned to take away the remains of their killed members and visited mayhem on the people.
Several shops, motorcycles and other properties were set ablaze.
The Network could not ascertain the number of victims as of the time of filing this report.
Confirming the incident, Anambra Police Command Spokesman, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu said the situation is being monitored and efforts are already inplace to arrest the perpetrators.
Ikenga in a statement said: “Following information on sporadic gunshot sounds and fire incidents in the Awgbu community, Orumba North, the joint security forces has been deployed to restore law and order.
“Preliminary assessments by the Operatives show that about 20 shops were affected by the fire while three persons who sustained gunshot injuries were immediately rushed to the hospital and one of the victims was later confirmed dead by the doctor.
“The situation is being monitored and efforts are already in place to arrest the perpetrators, further details shall be communicated, please.”
