On Sunday, October 20, 2024, Nibo community and Nodu-Okpuno Village in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State witnessed a horrific scene of violence and bloodshed. No fewer than 13 persons were killed in separate cult-related clashes that erupted during the community’s New Yam Festival, tagged ‘Nibo Onwa Asaa festival’.
The violence began when members of a rival cult group stormed a drinking bar where another suspected rival cult group was relaxing. They opened fire, killing about eight people instantly near Oye Nwochichi Market, by Nibo Old Maternity, close to the festival venue. A gory video circulating on social media showed many lifeless bodies scattered across the community.
A source, who wished to remain anonymous, described the incident: “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.”
In another incident, three persons were feared dead after gunmen, also suspected to be cultists, opened fire at Nodu Village, Okpuno, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State. The community was in chaos, with people running helter-skelter as gunshots were heard everywhere.
The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the developments and called on witnesses to provide information. The Police Spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that police operatives had been deployed to the area and urged witnesses to volunteer information for necessary action. Ikenga assured that any information provided would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
The Anambra State Government has vowed to hunt down the perpetrators of these cult-related killings. The government is determined to restore peace and order in the affected areas and ensure that those responsible face justice.
