Suspected gunmen in two SUVs opened fire on a gathering in Ogboji community, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Monday evening, reportedly killing 19 people.

The attack targeted a meeting believed to involve indigenes of Ebonyi State. Eyewitnesses claim the assailants arrived suddenly and began shooting indiscriminately. While the motive remains unclear, speculation points to a possible link to the enforced sit-at-home order observed on Mondays, or an internal dispute, as the attackers reportedly demanded the meeting’s minutes.

Gruesome footage circulating online shows multiple bodies sprawled across the scene, accompanied by cries of anguish from bystanders.

Confirming the incident, the Anambra State Police Command said 10 people were killed, while nine others sustained injuries. In a statement issued by spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the command condemned the violence and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“The armed criminals, using two SUVs, launched an unprovoked attack on the group, shooting sporadically,” Ikenga said. “Ten people were confirmed dead and their bodies have been deposited in the morgue.”

He added that a joint security team has secured the area and launched an investigation to track down those responsible.