Gunmen Storm Oko Polytechnic Area, Leaving Multiple Dead and Several Abducted

 

A wave of violence struck the vicinity of Federal Polytechnic Oko in Anambra State on Tuesday as armed assailants launched a brazen attack, killing an unconfirmed number of persons and kidnapping several others. 

The incident, which occurred near the school's north gate, has sent panic through the academic community and surrounding neighborhoods.  

Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes as the gunmen, arriving in two unmarked vehicles around 7:30 PM, opened fire indiscriminately before seizing victims. "They were shooting in every direction," said a tricycle operator who narrowly escaped. "People ran into nearby bushes while the gunmen dragged others into their cars."  

Anambra State Police Command spokesperson DSP Ikenga Tochukwu confirmed the attack but could not provide exact casualty figures, citing the ongoing nature of rescue operations. School authorities have temporarily suspended evening classes and imposed a 6 PM campus curfew as security forces comb nearby forests for the kidnappers.  

This marks the third such incident near the polytechnic this year, raising concerns about worsening security in Nigeria's southeast. The region has seen escalating violence linked to separatist groups and criminal gangs capitalizing on the instability.  

Videos circulating on social media show distraught relatives at the scene and what appear to be bloodstains near roadside shops. Authorities have warned against sharing unverified footage that could compromise investigations.  

Governor Chukwuma Soludo has summoned an emergency security council meeting, vowing to "deploy all necessary resources" to secure the victims' release. The attack comes just weeks after the state launched a new security initiative targeting kidnapping rings.