The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ebonyi State chapter, has condemned in strong terms the gruesome killing of over 10 Ebonyi indigenes by gunmen in Ogboji community, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
In a statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Nwafor Richard Nwali, on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, the party described the attack as "barbaric, reckless and cowardly," and called on the Anambra State Government under Prof. Chukwuma Soludo to launch a thorough investigation into the incident.
“We are saddened by the shocking news of the death of 10 Ebonyi State indigenes in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State. Reports have it that the ugly trend was carried out by a deadly gang of 'unknown gunmen' that left 10 people dead and nine others critically injured,” the statement read.
The attack occurred during a town union meeting of Ebonyi residents in Ogboji on Sunday, June 30. According to the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the attackers stormed the venue in two Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and began shooting indiscriminately at the gathering.
“The armed criminals came in with two Sport Utility Vehicles and attacked the gathering of a group unprovokedly, shooting sporadically,” Ikenga said in a statement. “The victims were rushed to the hospital and regrettably, ten people were confirmed dead. The bodies have been deposited in the morgue.”
He further noted that a police-led security team had taken over the scene and was working to gather intelligence to apprehend the perpetrators.
Reacting to the development, the PDP Ebonyi State expressed outrage over what it termed an "unprovoked killing" and demanded swift and decisive action from the Anambra government.
“This act of lawlessness and reckless killing of Ndi Ebonyi in Anambra State will never be tolerated. If the Anambra State government cannot deploy its full security apparatus to fish out those responsible for this dastardly act, it raises serious questions about the safety of our people living in the state,” the party warned.
The statement urged the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Soludo, to personally visit the scene of the attack and console the families of the victims.
Calling for inter-state cooperation, the PDP also urged Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State to engage the Anambra authorities in ensuring that justice is served.
“The government of Ebonyi under the leadership of Ogbonna Francis Nwifuru should synergize with the Anambra State government to ensure fairness, justice, and full privileges are accorded to our brothers that were unjustly murdered in the state,” the party stated.
Extending its condolences to the bereaved families, the PDP said, “Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. We pray God grants them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and grant the departed eternal rest.”
In a cautionary message, the party advised all Ebonyi indigenes residing outside the state to remain vigilant, especially during the current electioneering period.
“We call on all Ndi Ebonyi residents outside our state to be security conscious, especially in a turbulent state like Anambra during this electioneering period. May the souls of our brothers and all the faithful departed rest in the bosom of the Lord, Amen.”
The statement concluded with a renewed call for accountability and justice, stressing that the right to lawful assembly is enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and must be protected by all responsible governments.
