The sleepy town of Awgbu in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra has been thrown into mourning following an attack by criminals.
The assailants who stormed the Eke Awgbu market Thursday night commandeered traders into their various shops, sprayed petrol on them and ignited fire which left an unconfirmed number of persons dead.
An eyewitness who pleaded anonymity said the criminals proceeded to the Eke Awgbu market security post and gunned down three local vigilance operatives there.
Narrating how it all started, the eyewitness said the criminals robbed in the Amaokpala area and were fleeing but Luck ran out of them when a tipper truck knocked the vehicle carrying them into the gutter.
The source said those in motorcycles escaped but two of them were killed and burnt by a mob.
It said those who escaped returned to cart away the remains of their killed members and visited mayhem on the people.
Several shops, motorcycles and other properties were set ablaze while the number of victims are yet to be ascertained.