No fewer than 10 persons were bathed with acid following a misunderstanding over a debt in Mgbakwu in the Awka Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Emeka Chukwuemeka, who confirmed the incident to News Agency of Nigeria in Awka on Wednesday, said the police had begun investigation into the matter.
Mr. Onochie Nzekwe, a spokesman for youths in the community, told journalists that the incident happened on Tuesday when some persons went as a group to invite a man over a N15, 000 debt owed a woman.
He said the man, Mr. Uche Nnabuchi, was invited to appear before the group to explain why he refused to pay the debt.
Two of the victims, Mr. Obiadimma Nnebife and Onyeka Nwaenu, separately narrated their ordeal to journalists.
They said the youths were only working to ensure peace and love in the community.
Nnabuchi said that he owed the woman only N6, 000, adding that the incident was not intentional.
He said the acid was bought for his vehicle and not for the victim.