The spate of insecurity continues in Anambra State as a shooting spree in Awka, the State capital on Thursday morning has claimed several lives.
Initial reports put the number of the dead at nine.
Sources said that the shooting took place in Ifite Awka, an area dominated mostly by students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka.
The source said the shooting may not be unconnected to cultism.
Last Sunday, no fewer than 12 people were gunned down in a cult-related shooting in Nibo, a town close to Awka.
Another source said Thursday’s shooting actually took place Ifite, close to the back gate of UNIZIK, Awka, not far from Amansea Road.
One of the sources said: “Gunmen just shot a guy a few minutes ago at Ifite, Awka. He’s lying lifeless.”
Another eyewitness, a lecturer, said she witnessed seven lifeless bodies in the area and was forced to abandon lectures and turn back while en route to school.
It is, however, not clear the actual number of victims involved in the shooting, but the State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, who failed to confirm the incident rather said a police response team took over the scene and further details will be communicated shortly.
“The Police responding team has taken over the scene of indiscriminate shooting today 24/10/2024 by 9:15 am at Ifite, behind Unizik gate, Awka by suspected gunmen.
“Preliminary information shows that the armed men unprovoked started shooting sporadically and some bullets fatally hit four persons in the area and were rushed to the hospital for aid by the police operatives. Also, some empty shells of bullets have been recovered at the scene.
“Meanwhile operations are ongoing in the area and further details shall be communicated, please,” the Police Spokesperson said.
In another press statement, Ikenga said the Command has intercepted some videos and voice note of persons who planned to unleash violence on Awka.
According to him: “Anambra State Police Command begins investigation on some intercepted videos and voice notes on social media space threatening violence in the state.
“The Police Command not taking those clips for granted and saddled with the responsibility of maintaining law and order shall live up to its mandate of ensuring that no person or group of persons is allowed to infringe on the fundamental human rights of others.
“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.”