Anambra: Cult War Claims 13 Lives

13 Dead in Anambra Cult Violence

“Nibo is on fire. Several lifeless bodies have littered the roads...”

Breaking: Gunmen suspected to be cultists kill 13 in Anambra State, causing chaos and panic during the New Yam Festival; police deploy operatives to restore order.

Sunday, October 20, turned into a bloodbath in Nibo community and Nodu-Okpuno Village, Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, as at least 13 people lost their lives in separate cult-related clashes. The violence marred the community's New Yam Festival, Nibo Onwa Asaa.

The deadly clashes erupted during the festive celebrations, spreading rapidly throughout the community. According to eyewitness Matthias Ugwoke, the violence began when a rival cult group stormed a drinking bar near Oye Nwochichi Market and Nibo Old Maternity, close to the festival venue. The attackers opened fire on suspected members of another cult group, killing eight people instantly.

A source who craved anonymity for fear of victimisation, said, “The hoodlums, numbering about five, stormed the bar in a brown coloured Lexus 300 Jeep and immediately opened fire on the people there, killing about eight people instantly.

“After carrying out their operation, they immediately zoomed off to Eke Nibo Market, where they also gunned down about five more people.

“Nibo is on fire. Several lifeless bodies have littered the roads. Some people were killed by stray bullets while some sustained varying degrees of injuries.

“The violence escalated this afternoon during the Nibo Onwa Asaa festival and claimed other multiple casualties. We have counted over 13 dead bodies at various points of the road.”

Chaos erupted in Anambra State on Sunday as gunfire and panic gripped two communities. In Nibo and Nodu-Okpuno, cult-related violence left at least 13 people dead and many more fleeing for their lives. Eyewitnesses described scenes of utter chaos, with people running frantically in all directions as gunshots rang out.

A separate incident in Nodu Village, Okpuno, saw three people feared dead after gunmen, suspected to be cultists, opened fire. The attack occurred during the New Yam Festival preparations, causing traders to hastily abandon their wares and flee the scene. Foods and drinks meant for the festival were left scattered around the venue.

The Anambra State Police Command has urged witnesses to come forward with information to aid investigations. Spokesman Tochukwu Ikenga acknowledged that the actual casualty figure remains uncertain but confirmed that police operatives have been deployed to the area to restore order. The command's swift response aims to quell tensions and ensure public safety.

Details:

Location: Nibo and Nodu-Okpuno communities, Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State

Casualties: At least 13 feared dead, with more injured

Suspects: Gunmen suspected to be cultists

Police Response: Operatives deployed to maintain order and investigate incidents.

He said, “The command is aware of a suspected cult-related clash today 20/10/2024 in Nibo, Awka South Local Government Area LGA.

“The Commissioner of Police, 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.

“Rest assured 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.”