Anambra community protests killing of man by state vigilante operatives
Mgbakwu Youths Protest Following Fatal Shooting Incident
AWKA, Anambra State — Thousands of youths from the Mgbakwu community in the Awka North Local Government Area gathered on Friday to protest the fatal shooting of a local man, identified only as Akidi. The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday when Akidi was struck by a bullet from an operative of Udogachi, a state-owned vigilante security group.
Witnesses suggest Akidi was standing by the roadside conversing with his wife when the gun discharged accidentally, leading to his immediate death. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear.
Community members emphasized their frustration, labeling Akidi’s death as “one too many.” This incident echoes a similar tragedy from last year, when another youth in Mgbakwu was killed by a stray bullet from a different operative of the same security outfit.
During the protest, demonstrators blocked the entrance of a well-known market in Mgbakwu, voicing their grievances. They later organized a motorcade, riding motorcycles adorned with fresh leaves towards Awka, the state capital, which is located more than 10 kilometers away. Protesters chanted songs and demanded action from the state government to regulate the actions of the vigilante operatives.
One of the protest leaders, featured in a video circulating online, stated, “We cannot accept this. We have been killed enough and this must stop.”
While reports indicate that the protesters aimed to reach the Government House, it remains uncertain whether they received any response from government officials. As of the latest updates, Udogachi has not released an official statement regarding the incident.
