Three killed, vehicle razed as police, hoodlums engaged in gun duel in Anambra communities

By Praise Chinecherem

Three persons were on Wednesday shot dead during a gun battle between operatives of Anambra Police Command and hoodlums at Oko, Orumba North and Ekwulobia, Aguata in Local Government Area of Anambra state.

AnambraDaily gathered that one of the assistants was gunned down during the battle while two other casualties were civilians caught in the cross fire.

Police Spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga who confirmed the incident, said joint security team engaged the hoodlums in exchange fire following their (hoodlums) indiscriminate shooting under Ekwulobia flyover.

He said police operatives killed one of the armed criminals, recovered one AK-47 rifle, one automatic pump action gun and four vehicles at the scene while sustaining onslaught operations in the area.

He said, “Anambra Police-led Security Force contained a shooting incident in the early hours of today 9th July 2025 at Oko and Ekwulobia flyover, Aguata Local Government Area.

“The team also demobilized one of the armed criminals, recovered one AK-47 rifle, one automatic pump action gun and four vehicles at the scene as the Operatives sustained the onslaught operations in the area.

“The vehicles recovered include one red Toyota Camry vehicle with Reg No: ENU 58 SC, custom colour GLK Mercedes Benz without a registration number, golden colour Lexus 330 with Reg No: ENU 815 AP and one ash Toyota Highlander with Reg No: GDD 517 RW.

“The Armed criminals unprovokedly shot indiscriminately under the Ekwulobia flyover. Consequently, in a swift response, the Joint Security Team engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel.

“Regrettably, the incident recorded the death of two unsuspecting members of the public and the burning of a brown Toyota Sienna vehicle allegedly belonging to the Anambra State Vigilante Group.

“Meanwhile, the bodies of the deceased have been recovered and deposited in the morgue.

“In another development, the Oko Divisional Police Headquarters witnessed an attack, but the gallant Officers on duty repelled the assault by the armed criminals.

“No casualties were recorded as the aggressive pursuit by the Joint Security Team of the assailants continues in the area.

“Given the above, adequate security measures have been put in place at the instance of the Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu.

“Residents are hereby urged to remain calm as efforts to ensure their safety continues unabated.”