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Commercial banks and shops in the Ihiala main town of Anambra state hurriedly closed and ran out for safety at 12 noon today as unknown gunmen attacked team of Nigeria soldiers.

The team of soldiers with heavy military equipment, it was gathered had mounted partial road block forcing motorists to ply one way early hours of the day around St Martin’s Church, Odoata school and another group before Azia junction in Ihiala to secure the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA campaign ceremony of the former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Professor Charles Soludo slated to hold at the school field.

The unknown gunmen as it was gathered, engaged the soldiers face to face with over two hours of gun battle along the Onitsha-Owerri road.

Anambra state Governor, Willie Obiano and the APGA gubernatorial candidate, Professor Charles Soludo were yet to arrive the venue when the attack started around 10 this morning.

Residents said the unknown gunmen shot two soldiers and fled the scene around 12 noon, abandoning their vehicles.

Passengers inside a car plying the road were also killed according to an eyewitness who said the driver of the commercial bus he was in, came face to face with the unknown gunmen but the driver managed to revise quickly and escape. Adding, passengers inside the car in their front were not lucky.

Residents said some of the unknown gunmen on motorcycles returned through the Ihiala-Orlu road they came in while some others snatched vehicles to escape.

Officials of Anambra state government said the unknown gunmen escaped taking advantage of Our Lady of Lourdes hospital. Adding, the combined team of soldiers and other security operatives could not do much to gun them down because of patients and other persons in the hospital.

As at the time of filling in this report, canopies and vehicle that conveyed chairs and other materials to Odoata school field, the venue of the expected APGA campaign were still visible and in preparation stage when the unknown gunmen attacked the team of soldiers.

It would be recalled the unknown gunmen overpowered two group of special anti terrorism team of the Nigeria Police Force last week Thursday at Ihembosi, close to Ihiala community.

Osazuwa Akonedo

Osazuwa Akonedo is a Nigerian media professional, author, and consultant. His work spans various sectors of communication and literature: Journalism and Media: He is the founder of OsazuwaAkonedo, which focuses on news analysis and commentary. He also provides consultancy services in media and banking. Literature: He is a published playwright and author of Nigerian literature. One of his notable works is the drama titled The End Shall Tell: What Exam Malpractice Can Cause, which addresses educational and social issues in Nigeria. Reporting: He frequently reports on regional news, particularly concerning Edo State and broader Nigerian current affairs. Credit: Google Gemini AI Mode Osazuwa Akonedo is a Nigerian media creator, journalist, and entrepreneur who engages audiences via news reporting, social media content, music, and a mobile application. Professional Background and Company Osazuwa Akonedo is associated with OSAZUWAAKONEDO LIMITED, a company registered in Nigeria that operates in media consultancy and news services  The company is headquartered in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, and has been active in publishing news in various formats including text, audio, video, and photos  Social Media and Online Platforms Osazuwa Akonedo maintains a strong online presence on several platforms: TikTok: Shares news updates and reports, for example, covering police operations in Nigeria  YouTube: Operates a channel where he uploads videos on current affairs and news content  Twitter/X: Active under the handle @akonedo_osazuwa, posting updates on events and news  Facebook: Profiles listing his connection to news and media activities can be found on Facebook  Mobile App: Offers a dedicated mobile application for news access through Google Play (Osazuwa Akonedo News App) providing text, video, and photo news formats  News Reporting and Content He produces news content covering national and local stories, including criminal activities, government updates, and investigative reports   His reporting spans multiple formats, making it accessible to a wide audience through online platforms, mobile apps, and social media  Other Contributions In addition to journalism, Osazuwa Akonedo has also ventured into audio releases, such as “Former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami Begs Nigerians For Justice” released on January 25, 2026   He also hosts podcasts documenting significant events, e.g, NDLEA arrests related to historical criminal cases  Summary Osazuwa Akonedo is a multifaceted media professional engaged in journalism, social media content creation, music, and technology via his news app. He utilizes platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Twitter/X, Facebook, and mobile applications to disseminate news and reach audiences both locally and internationally Credit: Azure AI

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