Anambra: Four Killed In Cult Attack

Four persons have been confirmed dead following a violent attack near Afor Market Junction in Nawfia community, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The Police Public Relations Officer for the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Monday.

He said the Sunday’s cult-related attack was carried out by suspected members of a rival group.

According to Ikenga, “Some members of the gang, operating in a black Lexus Jeep with registration number yet unknown, stormed Afor Nawfia Market and opened fire indiscriminately.”

He said the assailants fled the scene before police operatives arrived, but preliminary intelligence gathered at the location had already provided useful leads.

Ikenga said, “Although the hoodlums escaped before police arrival, preliminary information obtained at the scene has provided useful leads, and the Command is already acting on them to ensure the perpetrators are tracked down and arrested.”

The police spokesman noted that the attack occurred despite a week of proactive efforts by operatives of the Special Anti-Cult Squad in Enugwu Ukwu.

Ilenga noted that efforts led to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of firearms, four days earlier during a raid to prevent an anticipated rival cult clash in the Awka axis.

He stated, “The arrested suspects have been assisting the Police with valuable information aimed at preventing further cult-related violence within Awka and its environs.”

Ikenga added that the Command remains committed to restoring peace and dismantling cult networks across the state, saying further details would be communicated as investigations continue.

Residents of Nawfia said the attack triggered panic as people ran for safety during the gunfire. Sources who spoke with journalists said several people were hit by bullets as the assailants opened fire abruptly.

One community source said, “The armed hoodlums invaded Afor Market Junction and immediately opened fire, killing a lot of people.”

A video circulating online showed residents fleeing in different directions while several bodies were seen lying in pools of blood at the scene of the attack.

Police have assured the public that efforts are underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects and prevent further violence.

Nneoma BENSON

Four persons have been confirmed dead following a violent attack near Afor Market Junction in Nawfia community, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The Police Public Relations Officer for the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Monday.

He said the Sunday’s cult-related attack was carried out by suspected members of a rival group.

According to Ikenga, “Some members of the gang, operating in a black Lexus Jeep with registration number yet unknown, stormed Afor Nawfia Market and opened fire indiscriminately.”

He said the assailants fled the scene before police operatives arrived, but preliminary intelligence gathered at the location had already provided useful leads.

Ikenga said, “Although the hoodlums escaped before police arrival, preliminary information obtained at the scene has provided useful leads, and the Command is already acting on them to ensure the perpetrators are tracked down and arrested.”

The police spokesman noted that the attack occurred despite a week of proactive efforts by operatives of the Special Anti-Cult Squad in Enugwu Ukwu.

Ilenga noted that efforts led to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of firearms, four days earlier during a raid to prevent an anticipated rival cult clash in the Awka axis.

He stated, “The arrested suspects have been assisting the Police with valuable information aimed at preventing further cult-related violence within Awka and its environs.”

Ikenga added that the Command remains committed to restoring peace and dismantling cult networks across the state, saying further details would be communicated as investigations continue.

Residents of Nawfia said the attack triggered panic as people ran for safety during the gunfire. Sources who spoke with journalists said several people were hit by bullets as the assailants opened fire abruptly.

One community source said, “The armed hoodlums invaded Afor Market Junction and immediately opened fire, killing a lot of people.”

A video circulating online showed residents fleeing in different directions while several bodies were seen lying in pools of blood at the scene of the attack.

Police have assured the public that efforts are underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects and prevent further violence.