By Sophia Afolabi

Chaos erupted in Aguata Local Government Area early Tuesday as unidentified gunmen launched a violent attack at the Oko and Ekwulobia flyover, leaving two civilians dead and a patrol vehicle in flames.

Confirming the incident, Anambra Police Command spokesperson, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the assailants opened fire indiscriminately, throwing residents into panic.

“Regrettably, the incident recorded the death of two unsuspecting members of the public and the burning of a brown Toyota Sienna vehicle allegedly belonging to the Anambra State Vigilante Group,” Ikenga said in a statement issued Wednesday.

The attackers, described by police as “armed hoodlums,” were met with swift resistance from a joint police-led security team, triggering a gun battle in which one of the suspects was neutralized.

Authorities recovered a cache of weapons at the scene, including an AK-47 rifle, an automatic pump-action gun, and four vehicles—believed to be linked to the attackers. The recovered vehicles include: A red Toyota Camry (ENU 58 SC), A custom-colour Mercedes Benz GLK (no plate), A golden Lexus 330 (ENU 815 AP), An ash Toyota Highlander (GDD 517 RW).

In a related incident, the Oko Divisional Police Headquarters was also targeted but successfully defended by officers on duty, with no casualties reported.

Police say the bodies of the victims have been recovered and placed in the morgue, with efforts underway to identify and contact their families.

Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu has ordered an immediate reinforcement of security in the area, assuring residents that operations to restore peace are ongoing.

“The Joint Security Team continues aggressive pursuit of the assailants and remains committed to restoring calm,” Ikenga added, urging residents to remain vigilant and cooperative.