Audacious gunmen on Tuesday attacked the venue of a rally organized by All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, at Odoata Central School Field, and engaged security operatives in Governor Willie Obiano’s convoy in a shootout that is said to have lasted over one hour.
Even though only a soldier was reportedly shot during the shootout, unconfirmed accounts claimed that no fewer than six people lost their lives, while several people were injured.
Feelers reaching us stated that the attackers came from Mgbidi in Imo State, which is a neighbouring local government with Ihiala in Anambra State.
Our source said APGA was preparing to hold a political rally in the area when the gunmen suddenly attacked the venue when preparations were still on and started firing, adding that the firing started at a time the governor was arriving with his convoy, forcing his security details to repel the attackers.
State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the attack, said one Ak 47 riffle, two magazines with 30 rounds of ammunition and a Toyota Hilux van were recovered from the attackers.
According to the PPRO, the police and military are currently on ground, while mop up operation is ongoing. He, however, added that normalcy had since returned to the area.