Four persons were killed in a bomb attack at the secretariat of the Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The incident took place around 1am on Thursday.

It was gathered that the gunmen first engaged the local vigilante securing the secretariat in a gun duel.

A source in the community, who described the exchange of fire as heavy, said three of the vigilante men and one of the hoodlums lost their lives during the shoot-out.

The source added that the hoodlums proceeded to unleash mayhem on other facilities.

“They set fire on many of the buildings at the secretariat, including the administrative block, Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC], Health office building, Youth Corpers [NYSC] office, Education Office and National Civil Defense Office.

“The gunmen came from Imo State near the border from Orlu. Unfortunately, security authorities arrived shortly after they left,” the source said.

Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga while confirming the incident, said one of the hoodlums and three vigilante operatives on duty were killed with one beheaded.

He added that five buildings were set ablaze with IED and petrol bombs, bodies of the victims recovered, while joint operations is ongoing.

According to him: “Following the Police/Military operations ongoing in ihaila and its neighboring town, the Operatives responding to a distress call at about 2:55 am, today 12/1/2023 of an attack on Ihiala local government headquarters, neutralize one of the attackers, recovered two locally made IED luncher, seven undenoted IED, forty pieces of live cartridges, fifteen live 7.62MM Ak47 ammunition, knives, charms, and other dangerous weapons.

“The attackers had already murdered, three vigilante operatives on duty, beheaded one and set five buildings ablaze with IED and petrol bombs.

“The joint force operatives engaged the arsonist/attackers, and obstructed them from causing further damages, while some escaped with bullet wounds.” (The Nation)

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