The Anambra State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into a deadly attack on a residential settlement in Agu-Ifite, Awka, which left four people dead, homes razed and livestock killed in the early hours of Tuesday.
The Command condemned the gruesome assault, describing it as a barbaric act, and vowed to track down those responsible and ensure they face the full weight of the law.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said operatives of the Police-led Joint Security Team swiftly responded to a distress call following the attack.
According to him, four male victims were found dead at the scene with their hands tied, while preliminary investigations revealed that they suffered multiple machete cuts and blunt force injuries.
Ikenga added that the attackers also set two residential huts ablaze before fleeing.
“Operatives of the Police-led Joint Security team responded to the scene following a distress report. On arrival, four male victims with fatal injuries were discovered.
“Preliminary observations revealed that the victims had their hands tied and sustained multiple injuries, including machete cuts and blunt force trauma. Two residential huts within the settlement were set ablaze during the attack.”
The police spokesperson disclosed that investigators also discovered four dead cows within the settlement, while two other cattle had been slaughtered, with portions of the meat carted away by the assailants.
He said security operatives recovered sacks containing abandoned chunks of meat a short distance from the crime scene.
According to the Command, preliminary findings indicate that the attackers were heavily armed with sophisticated weapons, including AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, double-barrel guns and machetes.
Ikenga further revealed that one survivor escaped the attack unhurt and is already assisting investigators with useful information that could help identify the perpetrators.
“Further findings indicate that the attackers were armed with sophisticated weapons, including AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, double-barrel guns, and machetes. One of the survivors of the attack escaped unharmed and is assisting the Police-led Joint Security Team with useful information in their investigation.”
The Police Command extended its condolences to the affected community through the Sarkin Fulani in Anambra State, assuring residents that every effort was being made to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack.
“The Anambra State Police Command extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the residential community settlement in the State through the Sarkin Fulani. The Command is committed to conducting a thorough, professional, and intelligence-driven investigation to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
The Command appealed to members of the public to remain calm and support ongoing security operations by volunteering credible and timely information that could aid the investigation.
Ikenga assured residents that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
