Gov. Soludo,
Panic swept through the Nawfia community in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State on Sunday after unknown gunmen opened fire near the Afor Market Junction, leaving several people feared dead.
According to residents, the attackers stormed the busy area without warning and began shooting indiscriminately, forcing people to run for their lives.
Some victims reportedly sustained fatal injuries, while many others escaped in confusion and fear.
A local source said, “The armed hoodlums invaded Afor Market Junction and immediately opened fire, killing many people. No one knows why they carried out the attack. Our community is in shock.”
Other residents who spoke about the incident said they were still traumatised and urged authorities to intensify security in the area.
One eyewitness described the attack as sudden and well-coordinated, noting that the assailants operated “in a commando-like fashion.”
Videos circulating online showed people fleeing as gunshots rang out, with some bodies seen lying in pools of blood on the ground.
The President General of the Nawfia Progressive Union, Chief Daniel Okoye, confirmed the attack in a statement, describing it as “a senseless act of violence.”
He said security agencies had been alerted and that investigations were underway.
Okoye said, “This evening, I received with deep shock the tragic news of an attack at the Afor Market Junction in Nawfia.”
“The incident resulted in multiple casualties. I strongly condemn this heartbreaking act and the attempt to disturb the peace of our community.”
He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security operatives, assuring them of the union’s support while expressing condolences to affected families.
The Anambra State Police Command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, could not be reached for comment.
However, a police source, who asked not to be named, said investigations had already begun to track down the perpetrators.
“We condemn these heinous acts and assure the public that we will do everything possible to bring the culprits to justice,” the source added.
