A passerby reportedly died while four vehicles were set ablaze wheb gunmen attacked a vigilante office in Amesi, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The incident on Friday night left scenes of destruction that rattled the local community.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers stormed the facility, burning at least three vehicles, two motorcycles and firing sporadically.

The deceased was identified as Nnaka Chinonso from Udo Village Akpo.

Reacting, a governorship aspirant in the All Progressive Congress APC primary, Valentine Ozigbo, described the incident as tragedy that strikes at the very heart of our humanity.

Ozigbo, who visited the site with Area Commander and Divisional Police Offer in charge of the area, said: “My heart is heavy as I reflect on the tragedy that struck my beloved hometown, Amesi.

“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, Ozigbo called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to intensify efforts to secure the state.

“Anambra is still bleeding. 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.

“The blood of Ndi Anambra cries out. We must listen. And we must act,” he added.

Confirming the incident, police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga said no life was lost in the attack.

He however said normalcy had returned to the area as the Command had taken over the attack scene.

He said: “Anambra Police has taken over the scene of an attack on the office of the Vigilantes at Amesi, Aguata Local Government Area at the late hours of yesterday 25th April, 2025.

“This follows the attack by armed hoodlums on their facility where, unfortunately four patrol vehicles and two motorcycles were burnt as a result of the gun duel by security operatives resisting the armed hoodlums from gaining entrance.

“However, no life was lost during the incident.

“Meanwhile, calm has returned to the area as men of the Joint Security Force has intensified offensive operation in the area.

“The situation is being closely monitored and further developments would be communicated accordingly.” (The Nation)