It was a black Sunday in Nibo, Awka South Local Government Area (LGA), Anambra State, as no fewer than eight lives were lost when a group of suspected armed cultists engaged each other in a supremacy gun battle.

Another clash between rival cult groups reportedly claimed three other lives in Nodu Village of Okpuno community, a suburb of the northern border of Awka, on Sunday.

It was yet to be ascertained what triggered the tragedy at the time of filing this report.

Most eyewitnesses who managed to talk to journalists claimed they were still traumatised by the brazen, indiscriminate target shootings and killings.

Nibo, a suburb of the capital city of Awka, was said to be celebrating an annual Onwa Asaa festival—a time meant for joy and unity for Nibo indigenes, friends, and well-wishers—according to a witness who declined to give his name.

The armed men reportedly stormed the scene of the shootings, an eating joint, in a black Lexus sports utility vehicle.

Jumping out in commando style, they instantly opened fire in multiple directions, killing many people in the vicinity instantly.

The witness, who described what he saw, said, “It was like a war zone.

“The gunmen came out of 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.”

The community is demanding justice for the victims and their families.

“We urge the government to take immediate action,” said a community leader, who also demanded anonymity for fear of attacks.
“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, read: “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 the immediate deployment of additional operatives to the area for necessary action.

“Preliminary reports of the incidents are still sketchy, as the Command calls on witnesses of this incident to volunteer information that will help 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.”

He reassured citizens of their protection and called on witnesses to volunteer information for necessary action.