There are fresh fears in some Anambra communities, following revelation of setting up of a new camp by criminal elements, known as unknown gunmen.
A message circulating on social media stated that the criminals have created a new camp in Unubi, Nnewi South Local Government Area, from where they attack indigenes.
An unsigned message circulating on social media gave an account of how the men attacked some residents in Igboukwu community, along Obiuno-Ekwulumili road last Friday.
The message from an eyewitness said: “The armed gang have created a new Operational Camp in the Unubi bush, a town located in Nnewi South Local government Council of Anambra State.
“On Friday evening, 20th of May, 2022 at about 5:50 pm unknown gunmen laid siege along the road, specifically at Ugwumba Bus Stop, in search of the owner of a Lexus Rx330 who allegedly succeeded in escaping from his car.
“The Lexus owner quickly alighted from the car after driving it into the gutter at Ugwumba Bus stop and ran into Ezechibuike’s home, that situates around the bus stop, through which he disappeared.
“However, the unidentified gunmen said to be numbering more than ten on arrival at the bus stop discovered that the owner of the car had disappeared, laid siege in the vicinity of Ugwumba bus stop for an upward duration of an hour and commanded all the road users this evening to lay face down while they were busy conducting search of the Lexus owner.”
The message which is now being widely circulated stated that the men later left with their vehicle taking with them the Lexus SUV abandoned by their victim.
The message ended by advising indigenes of Igboukwu and Unubi living in the diaspora not to be in a hurry to return to the village until security improves.
DAILY POST could not reach the Anambra State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga for confirmation of the occupation of the community by gunmen as at the time of filling this report.
Most towns and communities in Nnewi South Local Government Area have been under attack recently. An indigene of Ezinifitte, in same local government area, told our correspondent that youths have deserted the community for fear of being forcefully conscripted into armed gangs.