By Ude Emmanuel
Panic gripped the Oko community in Anambra State on Thursday evening, June 19, as unidentified gunmen launched a brutal attack near the Federal Polytechnic Oko. The assailants stormed the area around the Total petrol station, targeting student lodges and surrounding locations with gunfire, leaving several people dead and others abducted.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers arrived in two vehicles and opened fire indiscriminately. Students of the polytechnic, some of whom captured the chaos on video from their hostels, expressed terror and disbelief as the shooting raged on for hours. The harrowing footage shows several victims lying in pools of blood—some already dead, while others cried out in pain with no immediate help in sight due to the ongoing danger.
One of the confirmed casualties is a well-known local barbecue vendor. Videos shared online further reveal the scale of the carnage, with screams echoing in the background as gunshots continued throughout the night.
There are also unconfirmed reports suggesting that some lecturers may be among those kidnapped during the incident. However, authorities have yet to provide official confirmation or the exact number of victims.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, though local sources suggest it may be linked to recent tensions surrounding the installation of a security checkpoint by the Operation Udo Ga Achi outfit near the Total filling station. The checkpoint, which reportedly added to a cluster of others in the area, is believed to have sparked unrest among some residents and possibly led to the violent retaliation.
As of now, the identities of the gunmen remain unknown, and no group has claimed responsibility. Security forces have reportedly been deployed to the area, but calm has yet to return.
This shocking event adds to the growing concern over insecurity in parts of Southeast Nigeria, particularly in areas housing large student populations. Authorities are being urged to take immediate action to protect lives and restore order.
