At least four people have been killed following an early morning attack by suspected cultists in the Ifite Awka area, located behind the school gate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, on Thursday.
Witnesses living near Witness Garden on Ifite-Amansea Road reported that armed assailants invaded the area around 9:30 AM and opened fire on individuals believed to be members of a rival cult group, resulting in chaos and panic.
According to gathered information, the attackers were specifically targeting members of the rival cult group, who were reportedly gathered near the Unizik School Gate.
In response to the incident, Police Public Relations Officer Tochukwu Ikenga announced that a team of officers has taken control of the scene of the shooting.
Ikenga indicated that preliminary reports revealed the armed men began shooting sporadically without provocation, fatally wounding four individuals in the area. These victims were rushed to the hospital by police operatives.
He also confirmed that several empty bullet casings were recovered from the scene, adding that operations in the area are ongoing, and further updates will be provided to the public as new information becomes available.
Additionally, the Anambra State Police Command has launched an investigation into intercepted videos and voice notes circulating on social media that threaten violence in the state.
The Command emphasized its commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring that no individual or group infringes on the fundamental human rights of others.
“Recall that the Command in the past has arrested some persons involved in such acts of making videos and voice notes to cause tension, and panic to distract the peace of Ndi Anambra.
“Given the above, Police and Other Security Forces have intensified patrols, and improved security dominance and surveillance to enforce the law, maintain Public Order, Public Safety and other Support Services in the State,” the police statement read in party.