A gunmen attack at the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) gubernatorial campaign rally in Odata, Ihiala community of Anambra state has left at least six people dead.
The attack occurred on Tuesday October 12, and it was learnt that there was a gun battle between security operatives and the gunmen.
Many people were also injured during the shootout which lasted for over two hours in the local government area. A source told The Nation that Governor Willie Obiano was among those whose vehicles were trapped in the melee.
The source said;
“The Governor’s convoy was held for about one hour while gunshots were booming everywhere in the area. They did not attack the convoy but security men.
“During the gun duel, some security operatives were felled and some gunmen were equally killed. We know those who were killed would be more than six.”
Anambra police spokesman, Ikenga Tochukwu has already confirmed the incident. Ikenga who revealed that there were no casualties on the part of Police, said security operatives recovered one AK 47 rifle, 30 rounds of ammunition, two magazines and four vehicles.
The police spokesperson said;
“The Operatives of Anambra State Command at 9:30am 12/10/21 successfully repelled an attack at Odata Central School, beside St Martins church Ihiala.
“Exhibits recovered included one AK 47 rifle, two magazines with 30 rounds of ammunition, one Lexus 350 jeep, one Rav- 4 jeep, one Mercedes Benz and a Toyota Corolla.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the hoodlums started shouting sporadically while arriving Odata central school
“But security operatives involving the police and military successfully repelled them. No casualty was recorded in police.
“Meanwhile, normalcy has been restored in the area and operations are ongoing in the area for possible arrest of the fleeing gang members with wounds.”
Anambra Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, C Don Adinuba also confirmed that security operatives repelled attacks at the venue of APGA’s campaign rally for the November 6 gubernatorial election in Anambra State.
Adinuba said the gunmen came on various motorcycles and in three vehicles, namely a Toyota Lexus 350 ES with registration number EKY 765 EX, Toyota RAV4 with number JJJ 434FP and a Ford van whose number could not be ascertained at the time of this report.
The commissioner said;
“The gunmen, unable to withstand the superior fire power of the soldiers and police officers, quickly ran into the large premises of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital which is directly opposite the campaign ground.
“They suffered serious injuries, even though they managed to shoot a gallant soldier”, according to an eye witness who did not want his name disclosed in the media for fear of his safety.
“If the gunmen had not run into the hospital which is a very delicate place to shoot any person, the security men would have gunned all of them down.”
