A councillor representing Owerre Ezukala community in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State has been shot dead by unidentified gunmen during the ongoing governorship election.
The incident reportedly occurred at Owerre Ezukala Ward 1 around 1:30pm, throwing the community into panic.
Eyewitnesses said that the hoodlums stormed the polling unit and opened fire on the councillor just as he attempted to cast his vote.
Although the Anambra State Police Command has not officially confirmed the incident, community leaders say the attack triggered anger and confusion among residents who turned out in large numbers to vote.
A community leader, Odogwu Odemenna, described the situation as tragic and disturbing.
“My ward is in flames as we speak. The councillor of my ward was shot dead this afternoon while trying to vote. The community is outraged. Security operatives were around when it happened, but they couldn’t stop the attackers.”
He added that the authorities have been notified and that police and soldiers are currently combing the area in search of the gunmen.
Another resident who declined to be named also confirmed the shooting, saying the attackers arrived suddenly, shot the councillor, and fled.
“While voting was going on, the gunmen came in and shot him. The councillor was fatally hit,” he said.
At the time of filing this report, the Anambra State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement. Calls and messages sent to the Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, went unanswered.
