The Anambra State Police Command has launched an investigation into the killing of no fewer than 13 persons – allegedly Ebonyi State indigenes – by yet-to-be-identified assailants in Ogboji community, Orumba South Local Government Area of the state.

Our correspondent gathered that the armed hoodlums stormed the area late on Monday in two Sport Utility Vehicles and unprovokedly attacked the people, who were holding their monthly general meeting, while also shooting indiscriminately into the air.

The development, it was also gathered, has created panic in the community, bringing both economic and commercial activities to a standstill, with residents and community leaders confused.

The incident was brought to the public attention by the President of the Association of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State, Prince Chigozie Nweke, in a statement he shared with journalists on Tuesday.

Thirteen persons reportedly from Ebonyi state were allegedly murdered by gunmen in Ogboji, Orumba South Local Government Area, The attack, which happened between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m on Monday was said to have left the affected families and the Ebonyi diaspora in mourning.

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 in 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.