Two persons were killed on Wednesday as security forces engaged in a gun duel with armed hoodlums at Oko and Ekuwlobia flyover in Anambra State.

Additionally, a security vehicle belonging to the Anambra State Vigilante Group was burnt in the incident, while one AK-47 rifle, one automatic pump-action gun, and four vehicles were recovered at the scene of the clash.

The Guardian learned that an armed criminal gang invaded the area on Wednesday morning, shooting indiscriminately and snatching valuables from unsuspecting residents.

A security alert issued earlier warned the public to avoid the area as residents and road users scrambled to safety amid intensified gunfire.

Viral videos on social media showed thick smoke emanating from one of the locations, as well as a dead body being loaded onto a tricycle. A voice was heard mourning the killing of an innocent resident, unprovoked.

Security forces led by the Anambra Police were later deployed to contain the incident.

The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, stating that the security forces had successfully ended the shooting, but regretted the loss of two innocent members of the public.

He confirmed that the recovered vehicles included one red Toyota Camry with Reg No: ENU 58 SC, a custom-coloured GLK Mercedes Benz without a registration number, a golden-coloured Lexus 330 with Reg No: ENU 815 AP, and one ash Toyota Highlander with Reg No: GDD 517 RW.

Ikenga continued: “The armed criminals unprovokedly shot indiscriminately under the Ekwulobia flyover. Consequently, in a swift response, the Joint Security Team engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel. Regrettably, the incident recorded the death of two unsuspecting members of the public and the burning of a brown Toyota Sienna vehicle allegedly belonging to the Anambra State Vigilante Group.”

He said that the bodies of the deceased had been recovered and deposited in the morgue.

He also confirmed the attack on the Oko Divisional Police Headquarters, saying that the gallant officers on duty repelled the assault by the armed criminals.

Ikenga said that no casualties were recorded, assuring that the Joint Security Team had launched an aggressive pursuit of the assailants in the area.

He assured that adequate security measures have been put in place at the instance of the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Oruturgu, and advised residents to remain calm.