Masked gunmen descended on lodges near Total petrol station, Oko, Anambra State, Thursday evening, June 19, unleashing a barrage of bullets that left at least seven dead and others critically wounded. Witnesses report the attackers, arriving in two vehicles, launched the assault around 7 p.m., shooting indiscriminately and saving small arms ammo for a prolonged onslaught.
A terrified mob watched helplessly as the gunfire raked through the compound. Influencing concerns around a new Operation Udo Ga Achi checkpoint near the petrol station, students fear this heavy-handed policing move may have triggered the attack .
Among the fatalities is a local barbecue vendor whose stall is a familiar sight to lodgers. Unverified claims suggest several lecturers have also been kidnapped, igniting outrage within academic circles.
At least four students were confirmed shot on the spot. Videos circulating on social media show bodies sprawled in pools of blood, while others writhed in agony. Fear of errant bullets and continued shooting prevented any rescue efforts during the chaos .
Federal Polytechnic students, who captured harrowing footage from their accommodation, recounted how gunmen drove in, opened fire, and vanished into the night. They described the scene as “absolute terror,” fearing they might be next.
Speculation swirls around the motive: locals point to mounting resentment over multiple checkpoints installed by Operation Udo Ga Achi. While the connection remains unclear, people believe escalating tensions may have reached a breaking point.
Security forces are yet to name suspects or claim a rescue of the kidnapped. As investigations begin, Federal Polytechnic’s rector is under pressure to enhance security for both students and staff. The incident reignites debates about balancing vigilante measures and civilian safety in volatile communities.
