Thirteen persons from Ebonyi State were allegedly shot dead by gunmen in Ogboji, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The attack, which happened about 7:00 p.m on Monday was said to have left the affected families and the Ebonyi diaspora in mourning.
Following the incident, the Association of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State (ANIAS) has condemned the murderous act, calling for thorough investigation into the killins.
ANIAS President, Prince Chigozie Nweke, in a statement commiserated with the bereaved families.
He urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to deploy all state resources to investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.
A survivor, Mr. Augustine Odom, Chairman of the Ebonyi Community, Ogboji, described the attack as sudden and unprovoked.
He said the community was holding its regular monthly meeting when the assailants struck, accusing them of holding a meeting against them.
“The attackers demanded the group’s minute book, seized it, and then opened fire on the participants, killing 13 members on the spot,” he said.
Odom and the treasurer survived with gunshot wounds and are currently receiving treatment.
Prince Nweke emphasized the need for the government to assert its authority and utilize all security networks to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.