The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has strongly condemned the early morning attack on vigilante operatives in Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area, describing the incident as a cowardly act aimed at destabilising the peace and security of the community.
According to police sources, the attack occurred in the early hours of Thursday, June 5, 2025, when unidentified gunmen stormed the vigilante office in Umunze.
The assailants set five operational vehicles ablaze and partially torched parts of the security office. A gun duel reportedly ensued between the vigilante operatives and the attackers, resulting in a fatal injury to one of the security operatives.
Reacting to the development, CP Orutugu expressed deep concern over the growing trend of violent attacks on local security outfits, noting that such acts undermine the collective efforts to ensure safety in rural communities. He called on residents of Umunze and surrounding areas to assist law enforcement agencies by providing credible information that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.
“The Police-led Joint Security Force has already taken control of the scene,” the CP said. “We are currently conducting onslaught operations in the area to track down those behind this despicable act. We urge members of the community to support these efforts with timely and useful information.”
The Commissioner reiterated the resolve of the Anambra State Police Command to work with local vigilantes and other security agencies in the fight against criminal elements. He also assured residents that more patrols and intelligence-led operations would be deployed to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that investigations are ongoing and promised that further updates would be made available to the public in due course.
