JUST IN: Gunmen attack Anambra community, kill leader

• A local source disclosed that the deceased was just elected president general of the community

One Silas Onyima, a leading figure in some parts of Anambra state, has been gunned down by some yet-to-be-identified assailants.

Before his death, Onyima was the President-General of Umuoji Community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

He was shot dead in his home during an invasion of his residence by the assailants, numbering about 15, on Friday evening.

The incident has cast a dark cloud of trepidation and uncertainty over the community.

A local source disclosed that the deceased was just elected president general of the community.

A source said, “The deceased was newly elected president general of our community and he also presided over one election in the community. He was killed on Friday evening when some masked men visited his home and shot him dead.”

Te state police spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident to newsmen.

He said police operatives have been deployed to the area, adding that investigations have begun and the police are working with members of the community to hunt down the killers.

Ikenga said, “The police are aware of the development. We got the information and we have deployed our men to the area. Our men have gone to the scene when the information got to us, they found the man in a pool of blood.

“The body of deceased has been recovered and deposited at the morgue with the help of some of the family members. We are also working with some eyewitnesses and community members to help track the perpetrators and investigation is ongoing”