From Chuks Moses, Awka
No fewer than eight lives were lost on Sunday evening after a group of suspected cultists opened fire at an eating joint in Nibo, Awka South Council of Anambra State. Three others were killed at another location.
It was yet to be ascertained what triggered the gunfire as at the time of filing the report.
Most eye witnesses who spoke to journalists claimed they were still traumatised by the indiscriminate shooting and killings.
Nibo, a suburb of the capital city of Awka, was said to be celebrating an annual Onwa Asaa festival, a time meant for joy and unity for Nibo indigenes, friends and well-wishers.
According to a witness, among others who declined to give their names, apparently out of fear, the armed men stormed the scene of the shootings in a black Lexus sports utility vehicle.
Jumping out in commando style, they instantly opened fire in multiple directions, killing many in the vicinity.
The witness said “It was like a war zone….
“The gunmen came out from their vehicle, shooting everywhere. People were running in all directions for their lives, screaming and crying.
“It was indeed chaotic.”
“The festival, meant to bring people together, has been marred by violence and bloodshed.
“We are devastated. How can someone do this to us during our celebration? It’s heartbreaking,” said a resident.
The community is demanding justice for the victims and their families.
“We urge the government to take immediate action,” said a community leader, adding, “We cannot continue to live in fear. We need peace and security.”
The police and other security agencies have been deployed to the area to investigate the incident.
Reacting to the incident, the state police command said it was a cult-related clash.
The police reaction contained in a statement by the command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, titled: SUSPECTED CULT-RELATED CLASH IN NIBO: CP ITAM ORDERS DEPLOYMENT OF ADDITIONAL OPERATIVES IN THE AREA, reads in part, “the Command is aware of a suspected cult-related clash today 20/10/2024 in Nibo, Awka South LG and the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam has ordered immediate deployment of additional operatives to the area for necessary action.
“Preliminary reports of the incidents are still sketchy as the Command calls on the witnesses of this incident to volunteer information that will help to identify the perpetrators for possible arrest.
“Be assured that information sent in this regard shall be treated with utmost confidentiality.
“You can call the Command Control Room at 07039194332 or the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) at 08039334002.”
While the ugly incident at Nibo claimed eight lives, three others were killed same Sunday in Nodu Village of Okpuno community, another surburb of the northern border of Awka.
