Gunmen Go Wild, Kill Five Soldiers, Destroy Vehicle In Anambra

According to The Nation, as many as five soldiers were feared killed and their operational vehicle destroyed during an attack by gunmen in Ihiala, Anambra State, late Friday.

The incident happened at one of the several security check points on the Owerri – Onitsha Road in Anambra State.

A few hours later, gunmen descended on Atta, Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State, setting ablaze the Atta Divisional Police Headquarters and the Magistrate and High Court buildings in the town.

They then proceeded to vandalise the community’s health centre.

The two attacks are the latest by bandits who have been terrorising the Southeast for several months now.

Sequel to the killing of the soldiers, security operatives yesterday blocked the Onitsha bridgehead, disrupting vehicular traffic on the route.

Security men also stopped motorists from Enugu State at the boundary between Anambra and Enugu for stop and search.

Spokesman of the State Police Command,  Ikenga Tochukwu, confirmed the attack but did not say how many soldiers were killed.

He said the command was still investigating the matter, adding that at the appropriate time, the public would know.

Meanwhile, Anambra State Government has banned the use of tricycles and shuttle buses between 7pm-6am.

Governor Willie Obiano said yesterday that the decision was part of the efforts to check the security challenge in the state.

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof Solo Chukwulobelu, said shuttle buses were also banned from using tinted glasses

He said: “the earlier ban on the use of motorcycles in greater Onitsha and Awka areas during the day and night, remains in full force. Any motorcycle found within these areas will be impounded and forfeited;

“The use of motorcycles, tricycles and shuttle buses across the state is now banned between 7pm and 6am daily with effect from Saturday 29th May 2021 and for one month in the first instance.

“Shuttle buses are henceforth banned from using tinted glasses or curtains while plying on Anambra roads.

“All other vehicles either with factory fitted tinted glasses or plain glasses must wind down while approaching any security check point to avoid embarrassment.

“Henceforth, any community where keke is used to commit any crime, the use of Keke will be banned totally in that area and the union exco sanctioned. Same measures will be applied in the case of shuttle bus and motorcycle.

“Government hereby directs full mobilisation of community youths and stakeholders across the state to take ownership of security in their immediate environments and assist the Police and other law enforcement agents to enforce these directives and quickly restore law and order in our state.”