Tragedy struck Nibo, a community in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Sunday as not less than 16 persons, mostly youths, were reportedly killed by gunmen.
The sad incident happened during the Onwa Asaa traditional festival of the town, a traditional community celebration.
According to the report, the masked gunmen, reportedly driving a black Lexus SUV, stormed a restaurant in the community and opened fire at the youths gathered there enjoying themselves drinking and eating.
Salient Times sighted a video circulating online displaying gory images of persons lying dead on the ground.
At the time of reporting, at least 10 people had lost their lives in the attack.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with festivalgoers fleeing for safety amidst the gunfire.
“It felt like a war zone. The gunmen just stormed the place and started shooting everywhere. People were running for their lives, screaming and crying. It was absolute chaos,” one witness recounted.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but community members are calling for swift action from the authorities to restore peace and ensure security.
“We urge the government to take immediate action. We cannot continue to live in fear. We need peace and security in our community. What was supposed to be a joyful celebration has been marred by violence and bloodshed,” a local resident lamented.
The Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the attack, saying it was “cult-related.”
SP Ikenga said that the state’s Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Itam, has already deployed the anti-crime police team to restore peace and order in the area.
He also said in a statement that CP Itam has called 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, has 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,” Ikenga stated
