One arrested, vehicle burnt as Police, hoodlums exchange fire in Anambra community

By Praise Chinecherem

There was pandamonium in Isuaniocha, Awka North Local Government area of Anambra State weekend following invasion of suspected hoodlums in the area.

The suspects who stormed the town around 4pm with three tinted Hilux vehicles, one Lexus 330, three shuttle buses and a Toyota Corolla car reportedly opened fire on Police operatives on a peace keeping mission in the area.

Anambra Daily gathered that while the hoodlums were driving out of the community, one of their Hilux vehicles fell into a ditch and caught fire around the Obibia bridge axis of the ever busy road.

An eye witness said the situation caused panic in the area as road users, motorists, shop owners and residents scampered for safety.

Speaking with reporters, Acting President General of the community, Friedrich Egwunwa said the incident was attempt by certain criminal elements to wipe out the people of the town who had embraced peace.

He said the hoodlums were led by one Mr Onyemazi Ngini who had been on the run for various atrocities he had committed in the community.

He listed other names they were able to identify during the incident to include Sylvester Ngini, Charles Okoye, Chukwuma Onyibo, Nonso and Okwudili all who have been on the wanted list of Nigerian Police.

He appealed to government and Inspector General of Police to wade into the community in the interest of the people who were always at the receiving end during any attack.

“During the exchange of gunfire, the hoodlums all entered their vehicles to run but luck ran out on one of them who claimed he was security personnel when he was caught.

“The man who claimed to be from Department of State Security, was later transfered to Zone 13 by Police operatives,” he added.

A community leader, Chief Tony Onyeagolu alleged that the hoodlums were mobilized by the Commissioner for Homeland Affairs Mr Chikodi Anara who he said was bent on ensuring that the community was never in peace for his personal gains.

He noted that the attack on security personnel confirmed earlier position that a particular set of persons being sponsored by the Commissioner were bent on causing chaos in the area to cover their pranks.

He wondered why Security Operatives would be conniving with some individuals already declared wanted to be causing havoc in the community.

When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga said the situation was under control as security agents had been deployed to the community for safety of lives and property.

He called on the people to cooperate with the Police operatives to fish out those behind the act.