15-Year-Old Boy Killed as Suspected Gunmen Attack Ogbakoba Market in Anambra

Panic and chaos erupted at Ogbakoba Market in Anambra State on Friday afternoon when suspected gun men allegedly opened fire on traders and residents, leaving a 15-year-old boy dead and several others scrambling for safety. Call

A 15-year-old boy has been killed following an armed attack at Ogbakoba Market Arena in Anambra State, in an incident authorities have linked to suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, who disclosed the development on X on Sunday, the attack occurred at about 1:40 p.m. on February 21.

Makama reported that armed men allegedly emerged from a forest camp in Amiyi community before opening sporadic gunfire on traders and residents at the busy market.

“The attackers stormed the market, apparently intending to kidnap or rob residents, causing panic as traders and customers fled for safety,” he wrote.

“A 15-year-old boy was killed while security operatives repelled the attack. A joint task force patrol team stationed at Amiyi engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel, forcing them to retreat into the forest with bullet wounds.”

He further stated that the teenager was struck by a stray bullet during the exchange of gunfire between the attackers and security personnel.
“The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital but was confirmed dead on arrival. His body was deposited in the morgue for autopsy and preservation,” Makama added.

Efforts to obtain an official response from the Anambra State Police Command proved unsuccessful. Calls and messages sent to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, were not answered as of the time of filing this report.

The latest incident comes amid heightened security concerns in parts of Anambra State. Earlier in February, unidentified gunmen suspected to be cultists reportedly killed Ikwuka Okoye, popularly known as “Anumili,” the President-General of Ogidi community in Idemili North Local Government Area.

Authorities are yet to issue a comprehensive statement on the Ogbakoba Market attack as investigations continue.

A 15-year-old boy was killed after suspected IPOB/ESN gunmen attacked Ogbakoba Market in Anambra State, opening fire on traders before security operatives repelled the assault.
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