By Sophia Afolabi

At least 10 people have been confirmed dead and nine others injured following a brutal attack by unidentified gunmen at a community gathering in Ogboji, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Monday evening.

According to eyewitnesses, the assailants, who arrived in two sports utility vehicles (SUVs), stormed the venue where members of the Ebonyi State community were holding a meeting and opened fire indiscriminately. The motive behind the attack remains unclear.

Some local sources speculated the incident could be linked to tensions surrounding the enforcement of the outlawed Monday sit-at-home order in the southeast. Others suggested it might be the result of internal disputes, as the attackers allegedly demanded access to the meeting’s minutes before the shooting began.

A graphic video circulating on social media shows lifeless bodies sprawled across the ground amid anguished cries from survivors and bystanders.

In a press statement released by the Anambra State Police Command confirmed the attack and provided an official casualty figure.

“The armed criminals came in two Sport Utility Vehicles and attacked the gathering unprovoked, shooting sporadically,” said police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga. “The victims were rushed to the hospital, and regrettably, 10 persons were confirmed dead. Their bodies have been deposited at the morgue, while investigations are ongoing.”

Ikenga condemned the attack and assured the public that the police were working closely with other security agencies to track down those responsible and bring them to justice.

Security forces have since secured the area, and an intensive manhunt for the attackers is underway.

This incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity in Nigeria’s southeastern region, where violent attacks by unknown gunmen and clashes between community factions have become increasingly frequent.