From Chuks Collins, Awka
No fewer than eight lives were lost early Sunday, 20 October, 2024 when two groups of suspected armed cultists engaged each other in a supremacy gun battle at Nibo, Awka South Council of Anambra state.
It was yet to be ascertained what triggered the tragedy as at the time of filing the report.
Most eye witnesses who managed to talk to journalists claimed they were still traumatized by the brazen indiscriminate target shootings and killings.
Nibo, a suburb of the capital city of Awka, according to a witness who declined to give his name, was said to be celebrating an annual Onwa Asaa festival, a time meant for joy and unity for Nibo indigenes, friends and well-wishers.
The armed men reportedly stormed eating joint scene of the shootings in a black Lexus sports utility vehicle.
Jumping out in a commando style they instantly opened fire all over in multiple directions, killing many people in the vicinity instantly.
The witness described what he saw -“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,” said a resident.
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.
Reacting to the incident, the state police command said it was a cult-related clash.
The police reaction contained in a statement by the command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, reads:
SUSPECTED CULT-RELATED CLASH IN NIBO: CP ITAM ORDERS DEPLOYMENT OF ADDITIONAL OPERATIVES IN THE AREA
A press statement from the State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga while reassuring citizens of their protection called on witnesses to volunteer information for necessary action
The statement read in part, “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*
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 suburb of the northern border of Awka, on Sunday also.
