A tragic shooting incident on Thursday morning has plunged Awka, the capital of Anambra State, into a state of fear and mourning. The deadly event, which unfolded around 9:15 a.m. in the Ifite area of the city, has claimed multiple lives, painting a grim mosaic of loss and devastation.
Sources reveal that the shootings maybe linked to cult-related violence. This comes just days after a similar tragic event in nearby Nibo, where at least 16 individuals were killed in a cult-related attack last Sunday.
This latest shootings reportedly took place near the back gate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik) along Amansea Road. A student source said, “Gunmen just shot a guy a few minutes ago at Ifite, Awka. He’s lying lifeless.”
An eyewitness, a lecturer at the university, recounted seeing seven bodies, leading her to abandon her lectures and head back home. The exact number of casualties remains unknown currently, but there are reports of widespread fatalities in the area.
When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, did not provide a detailed confirmation of the event. However, he acknowledged that a police response team had secured the scene, and further information would be released soon.
In a separate statement, Ikenga disclosed that the police had intercepted alarming videos and voice notes suggesting plans for further violence in Awka. He stated that the Anambra State Police Command had launched an investigation into these threats and was stepping up efforts to maintain law and order.
“The Police Command is treating these intercepted communications seriously. We are committed to ensuring that no person or group infringes on the rights and safety of others,” Ikenga said.
He added that police patrols and security presence have been increased in the state to ensure public safety and prevent further violence.
More details soon.
