One Dead, 20 Shops Burnt As Hoodlums Set Market Ablaze In Anambra

One person was killed and about 20 shops were burnt as hoodlums set ablaze the Eke Awgbu market in Awgbu community of Orumba-North local government area of Anambra State.

It was gathered that a gang of criminals had swooped on the market on Thursday evening, shooting sporadically, and forced traders to scamper for their lives.

About 20 shops were said to have been burnt, including several goods.

The hoodlums also stormed the vigilante post in the area and shot at about three vigilante operatives there.

A source said they also carried out robbery operations in the neighbouring Amaokpala community while escaping.

The police public relations officer in the state, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, confirmed the incident, adding that a team of anti-crime security operatives had been deployed to the area and assured that the criminals would be arrested.

“Preliminary assessments by the operatives showed that about 20 shops were affected by the fire while three persons who sustained gunshot injuries were rushed to the hospital and one of the victims was later confirmed dead by the doctor.

“The situation is being monitored and efforts are already in place to arrest the perpetrators, further details shall be communicated, please,” the PPRO stated.