A 22-year-old bride, who recently celebrated her traditional marriage, was tragically killed in a gunmen attack in Nnobi, Anambra State, on Monday.
According to a family source, who spoke anonymously to our correspondent, the victim, an only child, was awaiting the return of her overseas-based husband when she was struck by stray bullets from the assailants.
The PUNCH reported that the incident took place as unidentified attackers targeted both Nnewi town in Nnewi North LGA and Nnobi in Idemili South LGA. The violence resulted in multiple casualties, including vigilante operatives, and left several others injured.
The attacks caused widespread panic among traders and residents, who sought shelter indoors. The assailants, believed to be enforcing a Monday sit-at-home order, fired shots indiscriminately, affecting both Nnewi and Nnobi.
The source said, “Among those killed yesterday (Monday) at Nnobi was a relative of mine. She was a newly traditionally married bride of one week old, who was waiting for her husband based abroad to return. She was 22 years old and the only child of her parents.
“It was a heartbreaking incident and a heavy blow on the family yesterday (Monday). Her mum sent her to their farm to bring vegetables for the preparation of their food. On her way back home, she was hit by stray bullets during the gunfire between security officials and those dare-devil criminals.
“The hoodlums invaded the Nnobi community in a black Landcruiser jeep, and opened fire on some vigilante operatives, leaving two of the security operatives seriously injured. It is a serious concern that more than 24 hours after, no arrest has been made. We don’t understand why Igbo land has become a land for shedding of blood with all impunity.”
In response to the incident, Anambra State police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga issued a statement on Tuesday, disclosing that the police had launched an immediate manhunt for the assailants, following directives from Commissioner of Police Nnaghe Obono Itam.
Ikenga pledged that the police were committed to ensuring justice for the slain vigilante operative and the other victims of the attack, emphasizing their dedication to bringing the perpetrators to justice.
He said, “The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, has ordered an immediate manhunt operation on the armed men operating in a red Highlander jeep, who abducted a citizen in Nnewi by 1:30 pm on Monday and were trailed to Nnobi, where they engaged security operatives in a gun battle.
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