Following the cult-related clashes in various sections of the Nibo community and Nodu-Okpuno Village, both in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Sunday, a total number of 13 persons have been killed.
The violence reportedly started and escalated around the community during the Nibo Onwa Asaa festival.
While the eyewitnesses in the community attributed the violence to rival cult groups who invaded the venue of the festival and began shooting indiscriminately in the air.
“The violence escalated from the Nibo Onwa Asaa festival and claimed multiple casualties. About 10 dead bodies were counted lying lifeless at various points of the road. Some cultists had invaded the community and started shooting into the air. Gunshots were sounding everywhere, causing panic and chaos.”
When contacted, the Spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident and called on witnesses to volunteer information for necessary action.
Also, in a separate incident, three persons were feared dead after gunmen, suspected to be cultists, opened fire in Nodu Village, Okpuno, Awka South LGA of the state.
Ikenga said, “The command is aware of a suspected cult-related clash today, 20/10/2024, in Nibo, Awka South LGA.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, has ordered the immediate deployment of additional operatives to the area for necessary action.