It was a black Sunday at Nibo, a community within the Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Sunday, October 20, 2024, as reports indicate that at least 16 individuals, predominantly young people, were killed by armed assailants.
This unfortunate event occurred during the Onwa Asaa traditional festival, a significant cultural celebration in the community.
According to sources, the assailants, who were masked and travelling in a black Lexus SUV, invaded a local restaurant where youths had gathered to partake in food and drinks and opened fire indiscriminately.
A video circulating on social media depicts distressing scenes of individuals lying lifeless on the ground.
At the time of this report, it was confirmed that a minimum of 10 individuals had succumbed to injuries sustained during the attack.
Witnesses recounted the atmosphere as chaotic, with attendees of the festival desperately seeking refuge amid 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,” Daily Post quoted one witness saying.
While the motive behind the gruesome attack remains unclear, community members have urged 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, has verified that the incident was “cult-related.”
SP Ikenga further stated that the Commissioner of Police for the state, Nnaghe Itam, has dispatched an anti-crime police unit to reestablish peace and order in the affected region.
Additionally, he mentioned in a statement that CP Itam has urged witnesses to come forward with any information that could assist in taking appropriate measures.
“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.
