Gunmen open fire at a meeting venue in Anambra, kill 19

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By Madu Obi

Gunmen operating in two Sports Utility Vehicles, SUV, have invaded the venue of a meeting at Ogboji, Orumba South local government area of Anambra State and killed 19 people.

The men were said to have arrived at the venue where some people said to be indigenes of Ebonyi State, were meeting and opened fire on them.

The motive of the attack, was not immediately known, but it was gathered that it might be a renewed enforcement of the already prescribed sit at home.

Some people, however, said it might be related to a disagreement within the group as the gunmen had requested for the minutes of the meeting before opening fire on them.

The Anambra State police command has confirmed the incident, but insisted that only 10 persons were killed, while nine others were injured.

A press release by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga said the command has condemned the shooting incident.

He said: "The armed criminals came in two Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) and attacked the gathering of a group, shooting sporadically.

"The victims were rushed to the hospital and regrettably, 10 people were confirmed dead. The bodies have been deposited in the morgue."

He said that the Police - led security operatives have taken over the scene and are working on necessary information to arrest the perpetrators.