At least six persons were feared killed following an alleged attack by armed men suspected to be members of rival cult groups in various areas of Awka, the capital city of Anambra State, on Sunday. Reports indicate that the attacks occurred in Okpuno, around Eke Awka, and Obinagu. Another incident was reported at Opposite Dike Park, near Eke Awka Market, all within Awka.
While the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed, sources in the affected areas revealed that the victims were en route to picnics and other social gatherings when the armed assailants arrived and began shooting indiscriminately. Although the motive behind the shooting is yet to be officially determined, local sources suggest it may be linked to a supremacy battle between rival cult factions.
Reports indicate that the violence erupted on Sunday, disrupting peaceful activities as armed assailants unleashed terror on unsuspecting residents. Eyewitnesses revealed that the victims, who were en route to social gatherings, fell prey to indiscriminate shootings by the assailants. Among the casualties was a staff member of the Anambra State Judiciary, identified as Nwofor, who was reportedly on his way to an event before becoming a victim of the violence.
Videos circulating on social media depict the aftermath of the attacks, with scenes of chaos and individuals scrambling for safety amidst the carnage. Despite recent police efforts to curb cult-related violence in Awka through arrests of suspected cult members, the latest clashes underscore the persistent threat posed by such groups in the region.
However, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Police, Anambra state command, Mr. Ikenga Tochukwu, Superintendent of Police, expressed inability to confirm the incident as no official report had been received by the police at the time of inquiry. The situation remains fluid as authorities work to gather more information and address the security challenges gripping the area.”