At least four people have been confirmed dead following a suspected cultist attack in the Ifite Awka area, behind the main gate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik), Awka, Anambra State, on Thursday morning.
Eyewitnesses reported that the gunmen stormed the Witness Garden axis on Ifite-Amansea Road around 9:30 a.m., opening fire on individuals believed to be members of a rival cult group. The attack caused chaos and widespread panic among residents and students in the area.
According to gathered reports, the attackers were allegedly seeking out members of a rival cult believed to be hanging around the Unizik School Gate vicinity.
In response to the incident, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that police operatives quickly moved to the scene, taking control of the situation. Ikenga disclosed that the attackers began shooting indiscriminately, and four victims were hit by bullets. The police rushed the injured to a hospital for treatment, but they later succumbed to their injuries.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the armed men, without provocation, started shooting sporadically, resulting in the death of four individuals. Empty bullet shells have been recovered from the scene, and operations are still ongoing to ensure calm in the area,” Ikenga said.
The police have also launched an investigation into the incident and urged the public to remain calm.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command is investigating a series of threatening videos and voice notes circulating on social media that warn of further violence in the state. The Command assured the public that it is taking the threats seriously and will act decisively to maintain peace and order.
“The Command has previously arrested individuals involved in creating videos and voice notes designed to incite panic and unrest,” the police statement said. “Police and other security forces have intensified patrols, enhanced security dominance, and surveillance to enforce the law and ensure public safety.”
