The senator denounced the attack by unidentified gunmen on vigilante groups in Ukpo, Dunukofia Local Government Area, and Abatete, Idemmili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, calling it “utterly senseless.”

Senator Tony Nwoye, representing Anambra North Senatorial District, has condemned the recent attacks by gunmen on vigilante groups in Anambra State, labeling them as “senseless” and harmful to the community. The assaults occurred in Ukpo, Dunukofia Local Government Area, and Abatete, Idemmili North Local Government Area, resulting in the deaths of four vigilantes, injuries to seven others, and the destruction of vehicles.

In a statement released on Monday, Senator Nwoye expressed solidarity with the affected communities, lamenting the tragic loss of lives and the chaos caused by the attack. He criticized the use of violence under the pretext of demanding the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). While acknowledging the frustration over Kanu’s prolonged detention, Nwoye emphasized that violence would only deepen the suffering in the region.

He urged Southeast governors, leaders, and stakeholders to take a unified stand and negotiate with President Bola Tinubu for a peaceful resolution to Kanu’s detention. According to Nwoye, collective dialogue and engagement are essential to restoring peace and stability in the region.

Eyewitnesses reported that the gunmen, suspected to be enforcing a weekly sit-at-home directive, stormed the Ukpo roundabout, firing indiscriminately and targeting a minibus carrying vigilante members. The assailants reportedly shouted slogans like “No Biafra, No Freedom” during the attack, causing panic and chaos as residents fled for safety. Among the injured were the President General of Ukpo town and a vigilante member, who narrowly escaped with bullet wounds.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, noting that an investigation had been launched. The attack follows Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s directive for markets to defy sit-at-home orders issued by criminal groups. Traders at Ukpo complied with the order, but the incident underscores the persistent threat of violence in the region.

Nwoye called for unity in finding peaceful solutions, advocating for dialogue over violence to safeguard the future of the Southeast and its communities.