Anambra Gang War: 11 Killed in Awka Suburb

From Chuks Collins, Awka

 Oct 20,2024

No fewer than eight lives were lost late Sunday following the outcome of a group war between suspected armed cultists that engaged each other in a supremacy gun battle at Nibo, Awka South Council Area of Anambra state.

The armed men reportedly stormed one eating joint in the community in a black Lexus sports utility vehicle and began the uncontrolled shooting while the people were celebrating an annual Onwa Asaa festival, meant for joy and unity for all Nibo indigenes, friends and well-wishers.

They were to have jumped out of the vehicle in a commando-style operation before opening fire indiscriminately all over and in multiple directions, killing many of the victims instantly.

An eye witness who declined giving his name, told this medium that like most indigenes of the community, a surburb of Awka, the state capital, he was still too traumatized by the brazen indiscriminate target shootings and killings. He however, managed to describe what he saw thus:

“It was like a war zone. The gunmen came out from their vehicle, shooting everywhere. People were running in all directions for their lives, screaming and crying. It was indeed chaotic.

"The festivals, meant to bring people together, have been marred by violence and bloodshed. We are devastated. How can someone do this to us during our celebration? It’s heartbreaking,” he told FreshNews amidst tears.

Meanwhile, the community is demanding justice for the victims and their families.

“We urge the government to take immediate action,” said a community leader, adding, “We cannot continue to live in fear. We need peace and security.”

The police and other security agencies have been deployed to the area to investigate the incident. The reaction is contained in a statement by the command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga. Describing the incident as a cult-related clash, the command noted:

"Suspected cult-related clash in Nibo:CP Itam Orders Delopyment of Additional Operational Operatives in the Area," the command noted.

In another reaction, command spokesperson, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu Ikenga assured people of the community of adequate protection, while calling on witnesses to volunteer information for necessary action

"...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," his statement added in part.

While the ugly incident at Nibo claimed eight lives, said to be a clash of rival cult groups three others were also killed in Nodu Village of Okpuno community, another surburb of the northern border of Awka, also on Sunday.