No fewer than 13 persons were killed in separate cult-related clashes in various sections of the Nibo community and Nodu-Okpuno Village, both in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Sunday.
It was gathered that the killings started when violence erupted and escalated around the community during the Nibo Onwa Asaa festival.
Eyewitnesses in the community attributed the violence to rival cult groups who invaded the venue of the festival and began shooting indiscriminately in the air.
This was further corroborated by a gory video currently circulating on social media showing many dead bodies lying across various areas of the community.
The source who craved anonymity said, “Nibo is on fire. About 10 persons were gunned down in a restaurant near their gate and moved to Eke Nibo then, about six down [sic].
“The violence escalated from the Nibo Onwa Asaa festival and claimed multiple casualties. About 10 dead bodies were counted lying lifeless at various points of the road. Some cultists had invaded the community and started shooting into the air. Gunshots were sounding everywhere, causing panic and chaos.”
Also, in a separate incident, three persons were feared dead after gunmen, suspected to be cultists, opened fire in Nodu Village, Okpuno, Awka South LGA of the state.
When contacted, the Spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident and called on witnesses to volunteer information for necessary action.
Ikenga said, “The command is aware of a suspected cult-related clash today, 20/10/2024, in Nibo, Awka South LGA. The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, has ordered the 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. Further development shall be communicated, please.”
