An early morning assault by unidentified armed men rocked Nunya, a quiet community in Abia State’s Isuikwuato Local Government Area, on Saturday, leaving several feared dead, including a construction worker.
According to multiple sources, the attackers—believed to be part of a kidnapping syndicate—stormed a construction site operated by a Chinese engineering company around 8:20 a.m. Arriving on three motorcycles, the assailants, reportedly dressed in military-style fatigues and armed with high-powered rifles, opened fire on site workers.
A driver employed by the Chinese firm was fatally shot during the incident. Unconfirmed reports also suggest that a private security guard assigned to the site was killed, and that his weapon was seized by the attackers before they fled the scene.
Residents and security sources suspect that the attackers may have come from a nearby state and were led by an individual with possible military training, judging by the tactical nature of the operation.
In response, security forces launched an immediate operation in the area. The deceased worker’s body was retrieved and taken to a hospital morgue, while investigators reportedly recovered several spent AK-47 cartridges at the scene.
A source familiar with the situation disclosed that one individual believed to be connected to the attack has been arrested following a tip-off. The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation as authorities continue efforts to apprehend the remaining culprits.
At the time of reporting, official statements from the Abia State Police Command had not been issued. Attempts to contact Police Public Relations Officer Maureen Chinaka for comment were unsuccessful. Likewise, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Army in the state could not be reached.
Security operations remain active in the region, as law enforcement intensifies efforts to track down those responsible for the assault and restore calm to the community.