Anambra 2021; Shootout in Ihiala as Gunmen Attack APGA Rally

Gunmen On Tuesday, invaded the location of an All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, rally at Odoata Central School Field in Ihiala, engaging security officers in Governor Willie Obiano’s convoy in a one-hour gunfight.

Although a soldier was shot during the shootout, there were unsubstantiated allegations that six civilians were killed and several others were injured.

The attackers were said to be from Mgbidi in Imo State, which shares a local government with Ihiala in Anambra State.

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According to a source, APGA was preparing to host a political gathering in the region when gunmen stormed the venue while preparations were still underway and began firing, adding that the firing began as the governor arrived with his convoy, prompting his security details to resist the attackers.

State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the attack, said the military recovered one Ak 47 rifle, two magazines with 30 rounds of ammunition, and a Toyota Hilux van.

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According to the PPRO, police and soldiers are currently on the ground, and a clean-up operation is underway.

He did add, though, that normalcy had since returned to the area.Mr. C Don Adinuba, the Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, claimed the gunmen were unable to withstand the security forces’ firepower and forced to flee into the bustling Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital opposite the campaign area.

Adinuba said: “A combined team of policemen and soldiers this afternoon repelled an attack by unknown gunmen at Odoata Central School, Ihiala, where the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was scheduled to organize a campaign rally for the November 6 gubernatorial election in Anambra State.

“The gunmen came on various motorcycles and in three vehicles, namely, a Toyota Lexus 350 ES with registration number EKY 765 EX, Toyota RAV4 with number JJJ 434FP and a Ford van whose number could not ascertained because it caught fire during the exchange of bullets between the gun men and security forces.

“The gunmen, unable to withstand the superior fire power of the soldiers and police officers, quickly ran into the large premises of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital which is directly opposite the campaign ground.

“They suffered serious injuries, even though they managed to shoot a gallant soldier. If the gunmen had not run into the hospital which is a very delicate place to shoot any person, the security men would have gunned all of them down them”.

“Security forces, who recovered all three vehicles and motorcycles used by the gunmen, were searching the area to fish out the attackers.