GUNMEN KILL THREE IN ANAMBRA ON NEW YEAR DAY

REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE

Three persons are feared dead when some armed men opened fire on them at Nodu Village, Okpuno, in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The incident, which occurred on the New Year day, threw residents of the area into mourning and fear.

When Radio Nigeria visited the area, which is very close to a Catholic Church at Nodu, some residents were seen in groups discussing the development which they described as barbaric and very unfortunate.

An eyewitness, who expressed shock over the incident, narrated that one of the victims, who owned a car wash in the area, was shot alongside his wife’s brother.

According to the eyewitness, who did not want his name mentioned, about four men were seated in front of a building, thanking God for the New Year when yet to be identified men opened fire on them leaving about three dead.

When contacted on the telephone, the Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra State, Mr. Tochukwu Ikenga, said he was yet to receive such report.

Two days to Christmas day, a middle aged man was allegedly kidnapped on one of the streets in Okpuno and his corpse was found a few days later.

Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Echeng Echeng, had in his Yuletide message assured residents that there would be more presence of security personnel during and after the festive periods.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU