"Anambra Is Still Bleeding" — Ozigbo Decries Violence After Gunmen Attack Town Hall, Leave Community Shattered

 

The quiet town of Amesi, nestled in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, was plunged into chaos late Thursday night after unidentified gunmen launched a brutal assault on its central gathering venue, ASCON Hall. The midnight attack left one passerby dead, multiple vehicles burned to husks, and a stunned community grappling with fear and heartbreak.

Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene of destruction as the attackers stormed the hall, shooting indiscriminately and setting ablaze at least three vehicles and two motorcycles. Bullet holes now scar the once vibrant walls of ASCON Hall, while the lingering smell of smoke and burnt metal hangs heavily in the air. Images and videos rapidly circulated across social media capture the devastation—charred remains of vehicles, shattered glass, and the hollow echoes of a town in mourning.

Authorities have yet to formally identify the victim, but the impact of the tragedy reverberates far beyond the immediate circle of the deceased. Residents are left to contend not only with their grief but also with the deepening anxiety that violence could visit their doorsteps again without warning.

Amid the sorrow, prominent figures have stepped forward to stand with the people of Amesi. Valentine Ozigbo, respected business leader and declared aspirant for the Anambra 2025 gubernatorial race, visited the scene shortly after the attack. Accompanied by the Area Commander, the Divisional Police Officer, and the President General of Amesi, Ozigbo spoke with deep emotion about the loss and called for urgent action.

“My heart is heavy as I reflect on the tragedy that struck my beloved hometown, Amesi," Ozigbo said in a statement issued Saturday. "A soul with dreams, a story, and a family—cut down in an instant by the cruelty of insecurity that continues to haunt our land.”

Ozigbo lauded the efforts of security personnel who responded to the chaos, but his message quickly turned to a passionate plea for the state government to address the worsening security situation. He called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to escalate measures aimed at safeguarding the lives and property of Anambra citizens.

“Anambra is still bleeding," he declared. "Our towns, our villages, our people—still live under the shadow of fear. Suppressing news of attacks does not stop the violence. Artificial bandaids will not heal wounds that run deep."

The attack has reignited fierce debate within Anambra over the persistent security challenges plaguing the region. Amesi, like many other communities across the state, has been ensnared in a web of violence fueled by separatist agitations, criminal gangs, and political instability. Despite ongoing government initiatives to restore order, incidents like Thursday night's bloodshed cast a dark shadow over these efforts.

Local residents, speaking on condition of anonymity due to fears of retaliation, voiced their frustration and sorrow. One community member shared a sentiment echoing across Amesi: "This cannot continue. We deserve to sleep without fear. We deserve leaders who will fight for our safety, not merely manage our pain."

At the time of this publication, the Anambra State Government had not issued an official statement regarding the attack, a silence that has only intensified public outcry and suspicion. Many residents are demanding greater transparency and urgent reforms that move beyond mere rhetoric.

Ozigbo’s words seemed to capture the raw emotion of the moment as he appealed not only to government leaders but to the conscience of every citizen. "The blood of Ndi Anambra cries out," he said. "We must listen. And we must act."

While the community mourns, many are also looking toward the future with a mix of hope and desperation. Calls for comprehensive security reforms have become more insistent, with citizens urging the government to take decisive steps toward ending the bloodshed that has plagued their communities for too long.

As night falls again over Amesi, the memories of Thursday’s violence are still fresh. Vigilant eyes and heavy hearts remain, hoping that this tragedy will finally compel those in power to act, not just with words, but with tangible change.