Delight Chinedum
Unidentified gunmen attacked a major town hall in Amesi, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State late Thursday night, killing a passerby and setting vehicles ablaze.
The assault, which took place at ASCON Hall, the primary gathering venue for Amesi, began around midnight and left scenes of destruction that have rattled the local community.
Eyewitnesses described chaos as the attackers stormed the hall, burning at least three vehicles, 2 motorcycles and firing sporadically. The identity of the slain victim has not yet been officially released.
Photos and video footage of the incident, widely circulated across social media and made available to news outlets, show charred vehicles, bullet-riddled walls, and a community reeling from shock.
Valentine Ozigbo, a respected Nigerian business leader and Anambra 2025 governorship hopeful, was present at the site alongside the Area Commander and Divisional Police Offer in charge of the area.
Ozigbo who was also with the President General and many other indigenes of Amesi, condemned the attack in a heartfelt statement on Saturday, calling it a “tragedy that strikes at the very heart of our humanity.”
“My heart is heavy as I reflect on the tragedy that struck my beloved hometown, Amesi,” Mr Ozigbo said.
“A soul with dreams, a story, and a family—cut down in an instant by the cruelty of insecurity that continues to haunt our land.”
While commending the bravery of security personnel who responded to the attack, Mr. Ozigbo issued a pointed call to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to intensify efforts to secure the state.
“Anambra is still bleeding,” Mr. Ozigbo added.
“Our towns, our villages, our people—still live under the shadow of fear. Suppressing news of attacks does not stop the violence. Artificial bandaids will not heal wounds that run deep.”
He added, “The blood of Ndi Anambra cries out. We must listen. And we must act.”
The Anambra State Government has not yet issued an official statement regarding the attack as of the time of publication.
Amesi, like many towns across the state, has been grappling with sporadic violence in recent years, driven by a mix of separatist tensions, criminal activity, and political unrest.
Thursday night’s attack has reignited calls among residents for comprehensive security reforms.
“This cannot continue,” said a local resident who asked not to be named for fear of reprisal.
“We deserve to sleep without fear. We deserve leaders who will fight for our safety, not merely manage our pain.”
As the community of Amesi mourns, pressure is mounting on state authorities to confront a security crisis that shows few signs of abating.