Gunmen operating in the Igboukwu community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State have killed three vigilante operatives.
The leader of the vigilance group in the community and two of his men were in a beer parlour unwinding on Wednesday when they were shot.
A source said the gunmen, who came in a vehicle, shot at the operatives who were not battle-ready at the time.
The three, including their leader, described as Shaba, were killed on the spot, while the gunmen fled.
While there has been controversy about the killing, some community members believe that Shaba and his men were killed by members of a kidnapping syndicate, whose operation the vigilance group has curtailed to a level through their proactiveness.
Others, however, believe that the men may have been killed by separatist elements who see members of vigilance groups as rivals, who they always refer to as Ebubeagu.
Meanwhile, the incident has been confirmed by the state police spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga. The spokesperson said operations have been set in place to apprehend the attackers, adding that surveillance has been intensified within the area.
“There is a deliberate operation ongoing now aimed at apprehending the attackers. Meanwhile, patrols have been intensified within Aguata and its environs. Further development shall be communicated please,” he added.