Gunmen attacked the Isuofia community of Aguata Local Government Area, where the governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo hails from in the early hours of Saturday.

Sources said no fewer than two soldiers and four of the attacking hoodlums died in a fierce gun battle between the gunmen and soldiers stationed in the community.

According to a source, the hoodlums first attacked the soldiers at an army checkpoint and killed two of them before the army personnel gave them a chase and neutralised four of the assailants in the process.

Anambra State Police Command Public Relations Officer ( PPRO), Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, and the state’s Commissioner for Information, Paul Nwosu, also confirmed the story in a statement.

Ikenga said Police operatives have been deployed to the scene, and that normalcy has been restored in the area, while Nwosu urged Indigenes to alert security officials when they notice security breaches.

Nwosu said: “A gang of gunmen struck the Nigerian Army checkpoint at Afor-Uzo Junction, Isuofia, this morning. Unfortunately for the hoodlums, they met their Waterloo.

“Our gallant and alert security agents who gave them a hot chase immediately returned fire and neutralised four of the gang members in a fierce exchange of shootings. Their Toyota Avenza with which they launched the deadly operation was recovered.”

He further added: “The government of Anambra State wishes to reassure the people of their safety, especially during this yuletide season. If you see something; please say something to help our vigilant security agents protect you better. “