The academic community of Oko in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State was on Thursday thrown into pandemonium when shootings erupted near the main campus of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko leaving some students dead and many others with high degrees of injury.
Eyewitnesses account said the mayhem was unleashed by unknown gunmen that invaded the area around Total and Tipper Junction by 8:40p.m. when some students and non students were still milling around.
“The deadly assault, which occurred around 8:40 p.m. at the bustling Total and Tipper Junctions, claimed the lives of two students, left four others critically wounded, and sparked reports of at least two abductions, “a source had said.
The eyewitnesses account said the gunmen stormed the area on a motorcycle and in a black Lexus 350 SUV without registered plates, and started shooting at a close range on unsuspecting students and bystanders.
In the aftermath, viral video footage showed a male and female victim sprawled in pools of blood, struggling for breath inside what appeared to be a hospital emergency ward.
The Anambra State Police Command in statement confirmed two dead and four injured victims currently receiving treatment.
There are also conflicting reports about possible kidnappings. While some witnesses allege two abductions, a Facebook post by a student disputed the claim.
Meanwhile, the State Police Command has deployed a heavy joint security team led by the Area Commander of Aguata.
The joint operation includes the Army, Navy, Civil Defence, and local vigilantes which has since swung into action in search of the gunmen.
In an official statement on Friday, June 20, Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the casualty figures and assured that efforts were underway to track down the suspects.
“Two victims, including a female, are currently receiving treatment in the hospital. Sadly, two deaths have been recorded, and two others were allegedly abducted,” Ikenga said. “We are acting on credible intelligence and eyewitness accounts to track down the hoodlums.”
The police assured the public that updates would be communicated to them as investigations unfold and urged residents and students to remain calm.
