By Charles Igwe
A tragic attack in Anambra State has claimed the life of a 22-year-old newlywed bride, who was also the only child of her parents. The incident occurred on Monday when gunmen invaded the Nnewichi community in Nnewi North LGA and Nnobi community in Idemili South LGA, shooting sporadically and destroying properties.
The attackers were reportedly enforcing a sit-at-home order in the south-east region. Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesperson for the Anambra police, confirmed the young woman’s death. According to reports, she had recently celebrated her traditional marriage and was awaiting her husband’s return from abroad when she was struck by stray bullets.
A family source informed Punch that the victim had been sent to their farm by her mother to fetch vegetables for a meal. On her way back, she was caught in the crossfire between security officials and the assailants. “It was a heartbreaking incident and a heavy blow on the family yesterday (Monday). Her mum sent her to their farm to bring vegetables for the preparation of their food. On her way back home, she was hit by stray bullets during the gunfire between security officials and those dare-devil criminals,” the source said.
Ikenga stated that doctors declared the woman and two other victims dead after they were taken to the hospital by police operatives. “Two others are currently receiving treatment,” he added.
As of now, no arrests have been made. Nnaghe Itam, the state commissioner of police, has ordered an immediate manhunt for the gunmen responsible for the attack.
