At least six people were killed in a gun battle between the Nigerian military and unknown gunmen in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State, the hometown of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
It was gathered that the gunmen in large numbers stormed the military checkpoint at the Afor-Uzo Junction in Isuofia on Saturday morning.
Sources claimed that two soldiers and four of the gunmen were killed in the fierce battle, but police said five of the gunmen were neutralised.
According to reports, the hoodlums gained access to the Isuofia community via a direct entrance from the Umuona community.
The source said the hoodlums first attacked the soldiers and killed two of them before the army gave them a chase and neutralised four of them in the process.
Tochukwu Ikenga, a state police spokesperson, confirmed the event and claimed the hoodlums were resisted by a joint security force comprised of the military, police, and other security agencies.
Ikenga, on the other hand, said that one Toyota Venza jeep had been recovered when the joint task force increased patrols within the isuofia village.
He said, “Anambra State security forces comprising the military, police and other security agencies neutralised five unknown gunmen in Umuona, Isuofia, Aguata LGA and recovered one grey Toyota Venza jeep with registration number KRD 344 BT.
“This followed a distress call at about 10:30am today November 12, 2022 along Afor market in Isuofia, where some hoodlums attacked a security checkpoint in the area.
“The joint forces responded swiftly, engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel and neutralised five of the armed men while others escaped with dark blue Lexus 470 jeep without plate number from the scene with bullet wounds.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Echeng Echeng, while charging the operatives to sustain the tempo against the onslaught on criminal elements, ordered intensified patrols and improved operational positioning to respond to distress calls in the state.
“Further details shall be communicated please as operation is still ongoing.”
Also, the state Commissioner for Information, Paul Nwosu, in his reaction, said a gang of gunmen struck the Nigerian Army checkpoint at Afor-Uzo Junction, Isuofia but were neutralised by security agents.