The attack, which began around 8 am, saw the gunmen shoot indiscriminately while mounting positions on a newly constructed bridge connecting the two neighbouring towns.

Eyewitnesses added that the attackers ambushed a joint patrol team comprising police, soldiers, and local vigilantes, leading to chaos as residents and commuters fled for safety.

A video circulating social media showed people scampering for safety amid gunfire. At least one operational vehicle belonging to the Anambra State Vigilante Group was also torched.

In a statement released by the command’s spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the police-led joint security team responded swiftly and repelled the attackers.

“Anambra police-led security force contained a shooting incident in the early hours of the day at Oko and Ekwulobia flyover, Aguata Local Government Area, he said.

“The team also demobilised one of the armed criminals, recovered one AK-47 rifle, one automatic pump action gun and four vehicles at the scene as the operatives sustained the onslaught operations in the area”, he added.