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.
The violence started during the Nibo Onwa Asaa festival when rival cult groups invaded the venue and began shooting indiscriminately in the air. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with festival-goers fleeing for safety amidst the gunfire.
A source in the community reported that about 10 persons were gunned down in a restaurant near the community gate, and more casualties were recorded in other areas. The source 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…. The violence escalated from the Nibo Onwa Asaa festival and claimed multiple casualties.”
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.
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.”
