At least 10 people have been confirmed dead and nine others seriously injured after unidentified gunmen attacked a community meeting of Ebonyi State indigenes in Ogboji, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The brutal assault occurred on Monday, July 1, 2025, at about 6:00 p.m. when the assailants stormed the venue of the meeting in two SUVs, disrupted proceedings, and demanded to see the group’s meeting minutes. Moments later, they opened fire on the unsuspecting gathering.
Police Confirm Casualties
The Anambra State Police Command, through its spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, stating that 10 persons were killed on the spot while nine others sustained gunshot wounds. They are currently receiving treatment at various medical facilities in the state.
“Preliminary information reveals that some yet-to-be-identified armed men stormed a meeting of an Ebonyi community in Ogboji and started shooting sporadically. Nine persons were injured and ten confirmed dead,” SP Ikenga said.
Though initial unverified reports placed the death toll higher, the police insist that 10 is the confirmed number at this time.
Investigation Underway
The police have deployed a joint security task force to secure the area and intensify patrols. An investigation has been launched to determine the motive of the attack and track down the perpetrators.
The motive remains unclear, but community sources suggest the attackers could be enforcing the controversial sit-at-home directive imposed by separatist agitators in parts of the Southeast or responding to internal disputes within the community.
Eyewitnesses say the attackers singled out meeting leaders before opening fire, raising suspicion of a targeted or politically motivated assault.
Growing Insecurity in the Southeast
This attack adds to the growing wave of insecurity in Nigeria’s Southeast region, where violence linked to unknown gunmen, separatist movements, and communal conflicts has surged in recent months.
Local leaders are urging restraint and calling on security agencies to urgently restore confidence and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Community representatives and civil society groups have condemned the attack and urged authorities to conduct a transparent investigation. Leaders from Ebonyi and Anambra states are reportedly collaborating on peace and security measures.
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