Terror in Oko: Multiple Feared Dead, Others Abducted as Gunmen Storm Student Lodges Near Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra State — June 20, 2025
A quiet Thursday evening in Oko town, Anambra State, descended into horror as unknown gunmen launched a deadly attack near the Federal Polytechnic Oko, leaving several people feared dead and an undisclosed number of residents kidnapped.
The attack, which reportedly began around dusk on June 19, targeted student lodges and the surrounding area near the Total petrol station—a busy junction frequented by students and locals alike. Eyewitnesses say the gunmen arrived in two vehicles and immediately opened fire, sending residents and students fleeing for their lives.
Disturbing footage recorded by students from within their lodges captured the chaos as gunshots rang out in the background. In the clips, terrified students are heard whispering prayers and expressing deep fear as the sounds of automatic gunfire echoed across the neighborhood.
Videos shared with Local news outlet LIB showed the aftermath of the violence: several victims lay in pools of blood, some already dead, while others writhed in pain and called for help. However, due to the sustained gunfire and panic, no one dared venture into the streets to render assistance.
One of the victims identified in the wake of the carnage was a well-known local suya (barbecue) vendor, popular among students and staff in the area. His death has sparked particular grief within the community, as residents mourn the loss of a familiar face to senseless violence.
Hostages Taken, Lecturers Possibly Among the Missing
Unconfirmed reports suggest that several individuals, including possibly lecturers from the polytechnic, were abducted during the raid. As of Friday morning, the exact number of those kidnapped remains unclear, and the identities of the missing persons are yet to be officially released by authorities.
Students and residents say the attack has plunged the town into a state of fear and confusion. Some lodges remain deserted, with many students reportedly fleeing to nearby towns or returning to their family homes in a bid to stay safe.
Security Tensions May Have Triggered Attack
While the motive for the attack remains officially unknown, local speculation suggests it may be connected to rising tensions over a newly mounted checkpoint by the local security outfit, Operation Udo Ga Achi, near the Total petrol station — the very area where the attack occurred.
Residents told reporters that the new checkpoint, in addition to others already present in the area, had caused friction with unidentified groups who viewed it as excessive or threatening. However, it is still unclear how, or if, the checkpoint’s installation directly triggered the attack.
“We were already worried about the buildup of security in that area,” said one student who spoke on condition of anonymity. “There was tension. Nobody expected it to explode like this.”
Authorities Yet to Respond Officially
As of the time of this report, Anambra State Police Command and local government officials have yet to issue a formal statement regarding the incident. Security operatives were, however, reportedly deployed to the area in the early hours of Friday in an attempt to stabilize the situation and begin investigations.
A spokesperson for the state’s emergency response unit told [News Outlet] that efforts are ongoing to identify the victims and track those abducted.
“We are working with security agencies and local leaders to get a clearer picture of what happened. Right now, the community needs calm, and we need accurate information to guide our response,” the official said.
Widespread Shock and Calls for Action
The incident has triggered widespread condemnation and renewed calls for increased protection of students in vulnerable areas. Parents of students attending Federal Polytechnic Oko have expressed outrage, with many demanding accountability and immediate action from the state government.
“This isn’t just a tragedy; it’s a total failure of security,” said one parent, who arrived in Oko early Friday to check on his daughter. “How do you explain people being shot and kidnapped in their homes, and there’s no response for hours?”
Meanwhile, social media is flooded with messages of solidarity, prayers, and urgent appeals for justice as Nigerians react to yet another deadly episode in the country’s worsening insecurity crisis.