The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Haruna Mohammed, has confirmed the death of three persons in Mmiata Anam community, Anambra West Local Government Area of the state, following an attack by people suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.

He said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mustapha Dandaura, had ordered full-scale investigation on the matter with a view to bringing the culprits to justice.

Mohammed said that security operatives which include the army, police and others, have cordoned off the community where the attack took place.

According to him, “The command has deployed two units of mobile policemen and other regular policemen to the area. We are working in conjunction with other security agencies in the operation.”

He however said that three persons were killed in the attack by suspected herdsmen and not six as earlier projected.

But News Express gathered that six people were killed in the weekend attack.

A source who spoke on condition of anonymity said: “The victims were beheaded and I saw six of such victims.”

Also a resident of the area, Mr Orjiako Nnalue, said that the herdsmen entered farm settlements in the area around 5:40 a.m., killing people, burning houses and raping women.

“Before we knew what was happening, six people were already dead, while about 30 were left with varying degrees of injuries,” he said.

Reacting to the incident, the PPRO said: “We are on top of the situation and I can assure you that normalcy will soon return to the place.

“We would not want to speak on issues that would jeopardise investigations but the outcome of investigation would be made available to the public at the appropriate time.”

On his part, the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr C. Don Adinuba, said a report of the incident had been sent to the state Governor, Willie Obiano, who is currently abroad.

He said the governor might cut short his trip because of the development even as he urged the people of the area to remain calm.

Adinuba said that government would do everything possible to end the frequent attacks by herdsmen in Anambra West.

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