We've Restored Law And Order In Awgbu-Anambra Police

Anambra state Police Command says it has restored law and order to Awgbu, a community in Orumba North council area of the state involved in a deadly incident that reportedly led to the death of several people. 

In a reaction to enquiry made by FreshNews, command spokesperson, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, who confirmed the incident, noted however, that only one death was recorded but with several persons injured. He added that the injured victims have been taken to the hospital for treatment. 

"Following information on sporadic gunshot sounds and fire incidents in the Awgbu community, Orumba North, the joint security force has been deployed to restore law and order. 

"Preliminary assessments by the Operatives show that about twenty (20) shops were affected by the burning fire while three persons who sustained gunshot injuries were immediately rushed to the hospital and one of the victims was later confirmed dead by the doctor." DSP Ikenga said in the statement. 

Earlier reports say that several persons allegedly lost their lives in the incident as criminals on a revenge mission invaded the community and set the community market on fire. 

The assailants who reportedly stormed the Eke Awgbu market on Thursday night, allegedly commandeered the traders into their various shops, locked them in before spraying the locked shops with petrol and igniting them.

According to the reports, the trapped traders, whose numbers are yet to get confirmed, were burnt inside their shops. 

The reports added that the criminals proceeded to the market security post where they gunned down three local vigilance operatives they met on duty.

Among other claims, the reports noted that trouble started when luck ran out of the criminals who were fleeing from a robbery incident in the Amaokpala area. They were said to have ran into a tipper which knocked the vehicle conveying them into a gutter. Two of the fleeing robbers were caught and subsequently lynched by a mob while others fled the area on motor cycles.

The escapees however, returned later to take away the remains of their colleagues and thus visited mayhem on the people in an obvious revenge act.