killings in Anambra State continued unabated on Thursday as six policemen were shot dead by hoodlums despite the heavy presence of security operatives in major towns of the state.

Also, at Nnobi in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state, a car belonging to a member of the House of Representatives for Nnewi North/South/ Ekwusigo, Chris Azubogu, was attacked and his driver killed.

Thursday’s killings came barely 48 hours after the gruesome murder of Chike Akunyili, widower of the late former Minister of Information, Dora Akunyili, and eight others in the state.

It was gathered that the latest incident occurred when the gunmen attacked a police station in Ajali, Orumba North Local Government Area of the state.

Apart from the murder of the policemen, the police station was set ablaze when the assailants struck around 12.30pm.

When contacted on the telephone, Commissioner of Police in the state, Tony Olofu, confirmed the incident.

Meanwhile, media aide to Azubogu, Emeka Onyia, confirmed the killing of the lawmaker’s driver to one of our correspondents, saying Azubogu was not in the car when the hoodlums struck.

“Yes, his driver was killed, but Azubogu wasn’t in the car. In fact, Azubogu is not in the state,” Onyia said

Gov candidates advised to shun public appearances

In a related development, governorship candidates in the forthcoming general election in Anambra State have been told to avoid any form of public appearance, ostensibly to avoid being killed.

It was gathered that the advice was given to the candidates based on security report.

One of the candidates told The PUNCH, “Some of us were billed for manifesto debate with a professional body in the state today, but we were stopped from attending the event by a security report.

“We were warned by a top security outfit in the state that our security could not be guaranteed because of the prevailing circumstances in the state.

“I have suspended every outdoor campaign for now and I am sure most of my colleagues have done same. Remember that it was just two days ago, that the late Akunyili’s husband was killed.”

Another candidate, who begged not be named, said, “I now move around without security personnel. If you read the story of Akunyili’s attack, you would see that his killers were angered on sighting the police orderly in his car. So, that should serve as a lesson to some of us.”

Punch