At least four people were feared k!lled, and a hotel manager was abducted during an attack by unidentified gunmen in Ifite-Awka, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The incident, which occurred late Wednesday, December 11 sent residents into panic, with many fleeing their homes and traders hurriedly closing their shops.
Eyewitnesses told Punch that the gunmen targeted several popular locations, including Book Foundation Junction, Ukwu Aki Bus Stop, “B” Bus Stop, Commissioners’ Quarters, and the Bamboo area.
A trader, speaking anonymously, recounted the chaos: “It was a tense situation around 7 pm yesterday (Wednesday) when the gunmen suddenly arrived and started shooting into the air.
“They shot and k!lled three people at Book Foundation Junction and one person at Ukwu Aki Bus Stop. They also invaded a popular hotel at the Commissioners’ Quarters and kidnapped the manager. His whereabouts are still unknown.
“We heard they were demanding N12m ransom for his release, though the hotel workers said the initial demand was N20m before it was reduced. I was at my shop when we heard gunshots. Everyone panicked and ran for safety. Traders locked their shops hurriedly, and as of today, many shops remain closed.”
Another resident, identified as Chibuike, confirmed the events, adding “About three people were k!lled at Ifite yesterday night — one at ‘B’ Bus Stop and the others at Book Foundation Junction. They also struck at a hotel in the Commissioners’ Quarters, kidnapped three people, and left with their cars. This morning, one person was shot dead around the Ukwu Aki area. This December is becoming very bloody. May God have mercy. Everyone should be cautious about their movements.”
Officials from the hotel confirmed the incident but declined to provide further details, stating they were not authorised to speak.
When contacted by the publication, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, said: “Thank you for this information, but if you know the relatives of these victims, let them come forward, please.”