Panic gripped the quiet student town of Oko in Anambra State on Thursday evening, June 19, as unknown gunmen stormed lodges near the Total petrol station close to Federal Polytechnic Oko, leaving a trail of blood, fear, and confusion.

The attackers, who arrived in two vehicles, reportedly opened fire indiscriminately, killing several people and abducting an unknown number of residents in the area. Multiple eyewitnesses, including terrified students who filmed the incident from their hostels, captured the chaos as gunshots rang out for hours.

One of the victims has been identified as a popular local barbecue vendor. Several others, including students and possibly lecturers, were feared kidnapped, though exact figures remain unconfirmed.

Disturbing videos obtained by Gist Reports show the bodies of victims lying in pools of blood while others groaned in pain, unable to get help due to the relentless gunfire. “We’re just watching from the window… we can’t go out,” one student was heard saying in a hushed, fearful voice.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that the brutal attack may have been triggered by rising tensions around a newly mounted security checkpoint by the local Operation Udo Ga Achi outfit near the Total station. The checkpoint reportedly added to others already in place, allegedly sparking local resentment — though how this led to a full-blown attack remains unclear.

The Police is yet to issue an official statement on the incident or confirm the number of casualties and kidnapped persons. The identity and motive of the gunmen also remain unknown.

The tragic event has thrown the Oko community into mourning, with residents and students calling for urgent intervention and better security in the region.

Stay with Gist Reports as we continue to follow this developing story.