The Anambra State Police Command on Wednesday said that the attack in the early hours of July 21, 2026 on residential herder settlers in Agu-Ifite, was part of a calculated criminal plot aimed at creating ethnic tension and undermining the existing peace and security in the State.
Police Command Spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, had in an earlier statement on Tuesday said that on getting a distress call on the incident, the State Police Command-led Joint Security team, on “arrival, four male victims with fatal injuries were discovered,” adding “observations revealed that the victims had their hands tied and sustained multiple injuries, including machete cuts and blunt force trauma. Two residential huts within the settlement were set ablaze during the attack.
“The Police further observed four dead cows within the vicinity, while two other cattle had been slaughtered, with portions of the meat removed by the assailants. Some sacks containing abandoned chunks of meat were recovered a short distance from the scene.
Ikenga said that further findings indicate that the attackers were armed with sophisticated weapons, including AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, double-barrel guns, and machetes.
He said that one of the survivors of the attack escaped unharmed and is assisting the Police- led joint security team with useful information in their investigation.
He said that the State Police command has extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the residential community settlement in the State through the Sarkin Fulani.
On Wednesday morning, Ikenga said: “The Command notes that Ndi Anambra have continued to demonstrate unity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, and have refused to be drawn into divisive ethnic narratives. This collective resolve has undoubtedly frustrated the criminal objective of sowing discord among residents.
“Following the incident, the Police led a Joint Security Team to the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and operational review. The team engaged relevant community leaders, representatives of the affected settlers, and other critical stakeholders to strengthen confidence, obtain firsthand information, and coordinate ongoing security measures.
“To this end, the intelligence gathered from survivors and other credible sources has provided useful leads. Consequently, security operatives have intensified intelligence-driven and coordinated manhunt operations to identify, apprehend, and bring all those involved in the attack to justice.
“The Command urges members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and continue to support security agencies with credible and timely information. The Command also reiterates its commitment to protecting every law-abiding resident of Anambra State, irrespective of ethnic or religious affiliation, and assures that no effort will be spared in ensuring that the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.”