Tension gripped the Umunze community in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State as suspected armed hoodlums launched a violent attack on a local vigilante office in the early hours of Thursday, June 5, 2025.
Gunmen Invade Vigilante Base, Open Fire
According to eyewitness reports, the assailants stormed the premises at dawn, firing sporadically and causing panic among residents. The attack escalated into a fierce gun battle between the vigilante operatives and the hoodlums, resulting in a fatal injury to one of the security personnel.
An eyewitness at the scene recounted, “The hoodlums invaded around 4 a.m., shooting indiscriminately. The vigilantes tried to defend the office, but it turned bloody when one of them was fatally hit.”
Five Operational Vehicles, Office Set Ablaze
In the chaos, the attackers torched five operational vehicles belonging to the vigilante group and set parts of the security office ablaze before fleeing the scene ahead of the arrival of a police-led joint security team.
Police Confirm Attack, Launch Manhunt
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that a joint security operation had since taken over the area, and investigations were underway.
He added, “The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has strongly condemned the attack and emphasized the importance of community cooperation in tracking down those responsible. The Police-led Joint Security Force is currently combing the area as part of ongoing security operations.”
Ikenga urged residents to provide credible information to assist in apprehending the attackers and restoring calm to the community.
Security Situation in Anambra: A Growing Concern
Thursday’s incident adds to a growing list of violent attacks in parts of Anambra State, raising fresh concerns about security in rural communities. Authorities have pledged intensified patrols and collaboration with local vigilante groups to curb criminal activities.
Further updates on the incident and the ongoing security operations are expected in the coming days.
