Gunmen Storm Oko Polytechnic Area — Students Shot Dead, Others Kidnapped

On Thursday evening, unknown gunmen launched a deadly assault around the Total petrol station near Federal Polytechnic Oko in Anambra State.

About four students were reportedly killed, and an unknown number of people were kidnapped during the violent attack.

Reports indicate that the gunmen stormed student lodges near the area, opening fire indiscriminately. Students of Federal Polytechnic Oko, many of whom filmed the incident from their hostels, reported seeing two vehicles used by the assailants. In the videos, the terrified voices of students can be heard expressing fear for their lives.

Graphic videos circulating on X show the horrifying aftermath: bodies lying in pools of blood and some victims in agony. Some victims appeared lifeless, while others cried out for help.

The gunmen attacked Total Area, Victoria Point Drinking Joint and then some hostels. We heard that another group was operating on bikes. Probably they were the ones moving round shooting at people”, a source told AnambraDaily.

There are also unconfirmed reports that some lecturers may be among those abducted during the chaos. Some reports suggest that the motive of the attack may be linked to tensions over a new security checkpoint mounted near the petrol station by a local security outfit known as Udo Ga Achi.

Residents on social media claim that the checkpoint, established in addition to existing ones, sparked unrest and may have contributed to the attackers’ actions.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the identities of those behind the attack, and the total number of victims remains unknown.

This story is developing…

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