Soludo PLACES N10 Million Bounty Over Each Unknown Gunmen Who ATTACKED Burial, Killed 7 People; See Full Details
In a determined effort to combat rising insecurity and bring perpetrators to justice, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has announced a ₦10 million reward for anyone who provides credible information leading to the arrest of each gunman responsible for the recent heinous attack in Umuike, Ubahuekwem community, located in Ihiala Local Government Area. This bold step comes in response to the shocking violence that has deeply unsettled residents and heightened concerns about safety in the region.
The violent incident, which occurred on the night of December 30, 2024, involved a group of unidentified gunmen who stormed a residential compound where preparations were underway for a burial ceremony scheduled for January 2, 2025. The assailants, heavily armed and masked, opened fire without discrimination, killing seven individuals. Among the victims were five police officers who were reportedly providing security in the area and two civilians who were part of the bereaved family.
The attack has left the local community in mourning and shock, with many questioning the motives behind such a brutal assault. The targeted compound, according to local sources, was hosting a gathering of family members making final arrangements for the upcoming funeral when the gunmen struck. The indiscriminate nature of the attack, coupled with the high number of casualties, has sparked widespread condemnation from various quarters, including government officials, traditional rulers, and civil society groups.
In a public statement, Governor Soludo expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives and extended his condolences to the families of the victims. He described the incident as a heinous act aimed at destabilizing the peace of Anambra State and vowed that those responsible would face the full wrath of the law. ” We will not allow criminal elements to hold our communities hostage. This is a direct assault on the peace and security we have worked so hard to restore, and we will do everything in our power to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice, ” Soludo said.
The governor’ s announcement of the ₦10 million bounty underscores his administration’ s commitment to tackling insecurity head- on. He called on residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing any information that could help in identifying and apprehending the gunmen. Soludo assured the public that all information provided would be treated with utmost confidentiality and that whistleblowers would be adequately protected.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command has launched a full- scale investigation into the attack. Speaking on the matter, the state’ s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) stated that a tactical team, comprising special operatives and intelligence units, has been deployed to track down the perpetrators. The PPRO also noted that patrols and surveillance in Ihiala and surrounding communities had been intensified to prevent further incidents.
Community leaders in Ihiala have also condemned the attack, urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. They expressed support for the government’ s efforts to restore peace and order, stressing the importance of community- police collaboration in addressing the growing security challenges in the area.
The recent attack in Anambra is part of a broader trend of violent incidents attributed to armed groups operating in parts of the South- East region. These groups, often linked to separatist agitations, have been accused of targeting security personnel, government institutions, and civilians, leading to heightened tensions and instability.
Governor Soludo’ s proactive approach, including offering a substantial bounty and boosting security operations, has been widely lauded as a necessary and decisive measure. However, many believe that beyond immediate actions, long- term solutions, such as addressing underlying grievances and strengthening the local economy, are essential to curbing the cycle of violence.
As the people of Anambra State await the outcome of the investigation, there is hope that the government’ s efforts will yield results, bringing the perpetrators to justice and preventing similar tragedies in the future. The attack at Umuike remains a grim reminder of the urgent need for sustainable peace and security in the South- East region.
