A councillor representing Owerre Ezukala community in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State has been shot dead by unidentified gunmen during Saturday’s governorship election.
The attack occurred at Owerre Ezukala Ward 1 around 1:30 p.m., disrupting what had been a peaceful voting process in the area.
Eyewitnesses told The Legal Observer News that the assailants arrived suddenly at the polling centre and opened fire while the councillor was attempting to cast his vote. The victim died at the scene.
A community leader, Odogwu Odemenna, confirmed the incident, describing the situation as “chaotic and heartbreaking.”
“My ward is in flames as we speak. The councillor of my ward was shot dead this afternoon while he was trying to vote. Security personnel were present, but the gunmen escaped before they could be stopped,” Odemenna said.
He added that security forces — including police officers and soldiers — had since launched a manhunt for the attackers.
Another community source, who declined to be named, said:
“Voting was going smoothly until the gunmen arrived. They targeted the councillor and fled immediately after the shooting.”
As of press time, the Anambra State Police Command had yet to release an official statement. Efforts to reach the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to his phone were not returned.
The killing has sparked tension and fear across Orumba South, with residents calling for tighter security to protect voters and election officials as voting continues across the state.
