Gunmen stormed Umunze in a shocking pre-dawn raid, killing a vigilante member and torching five security vehicles in Anambra State.
Authorities swiftly launched patrols and a manhunt as residents reel from the attack, urging unity and vigilance to restore peace.
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Security operations have been ramped up in Umunze, a quiet town in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, following a violent attack on a local vigilante post by unidentified gunmen. The pre-dawn assault, which took place on June 5, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the community as authorities work swiftly to restore calm and apprehend the perpetrators.
The attackers, according to a statement released by the Anambra State Police Command, arrived in the early hours and launched a brutal assault on the vigilante office. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that the gunmen unleashed heavy gunfire on the security base, resulting in the death of one vigilante operative.
In addition to the killing, the armed men also set fire to five operational vehicles belonging to the local security team. The blaze spread further, damaging sections of the vigilante office, causing panic and concern among residents. The brazen attack is seen as a serious challenge to local security efforts, particularly as the vigilante groups play a vital role in grassroots community policing.
Reacting to the tragic development, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, condemned the incident in strong terms. He described it as an unjustifiable act of violence targeted at those dedicated to ensuring peace and order in their localities. He stressed that such unprovoked attacks not only lead to loss of life and destruction of property but also embolden criminal elements to defy law enforcement institutions.
“This act is not only callous but a direct affront to our collective pursuit of safety and justice,” CP Orutugu stated. “The loss of a gallant vigilante member is a painful one. We will not allow this aggression to go unanswered.”
In response to the attack, a coordinated joint task force comprising the Nigeria Police and other security operatives has been deployed to Umunze. The team has taken control of the area, cordoning off the crime scene and intensifying patrols to prevent a recurrence of such violence. Surveillance across the town and nearby communities has been stepped up as part of broader measures to restore public confidence.
The police have launched a comprehensive manhunt for the attackers, who remain at large. Authorities are urging residents to maintain vigilance and report any suspicious activity. The command has appealed to the people of Umunze and surrounding communities to cooperate fully with law enforcement by providing credible information that could lead to the arrest of those responsible for the heinous crime.
“We ask for calm and trust,” SP Tochukwu Ikenga said. “We are working diligently, and with the public’s support, we are confident that we will track down those behind this violence.”
The state government is also monitoring the situation closely, with plans underway to provide support to the affected vigilante unit and enhance the security infrastructure in the area.
This latest attack underscores the growing challenges facing local security initiatives across various parts of Nigeria, where vigilante groups often operate on the frontlines to complement formal law enforcement. The tragic incident has reignited calls for improved intelligence gathering, better funding for grassroots security operations, and a stronger collaboration between the public and security agencies.
As investigations continue, residents of Umunze remain hopeful that justice will be served and that peace will be restored to their community.
