About 11 persons were killed in Nibo community, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, as cult groups clashed, while three others were killed in Nodu Village in Okpuno, also in Awka South, on Sunday.
The gunfire caused panic and chaos as people fled in different directions to escape the violence.
The incident was said to have occurred during Nibo Onwa Asaa festival.
A resident of the area said, “There are reports of violence in Anambra State today, specifically at the Nibo Onwa Asaa festival, with multiple casualties. Unfortunately, I couldn’t verify the exact number of deaths, but it’s been a bloody Sunday indeed.
Another source said: “Gunshots were reportedly heard everywhere, causing panic and chaos. In a separate incident, three persons are feared dead after gunmen opened fire at Nodu Village, Okpuno, Awka South local government area of Anambra State.”
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated they are aware of the suspected cult-related clash that took place on 20/10/2024 in Nibo, Awka South Local Government.
According to him, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, has ordered the immediate deployment of additional operatives to the area for necessary action.
SP Ikenga said: “The Command is aware of a suspected cult-related clash today 20/10/2024 in Nibo, Awka South LG and the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam have 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.
“Be assured that 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“