Tragedy struck in Nibo, a community in the Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Sunday as gunmen reportedly killed at least 16 people, most of them youths.
The attack occurred during the town’s Onwa Asaa festival, a traditional celebration. Eyewitnesses reported that masked gunmen, driving a black Lexus SUV, stormed a local restaurant where youths were gathered, enjoying food and drinks, and opened fire.
A video circulating online, viewed by DAILY POST, shows disturbing images of people lying lifeless on the ground following the attack. At the time of reporting, at least 10 fatalities had been confirmed.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with panicked festivalgoers fleeing as gunfire erupted. “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,” one witness recounted.
While the motive behind the attack remains unclear, local residents are urging authorities to act swiftly to restore peace and security in the area. “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 resident lamented.
The Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, describing it as “cult-related.” He stated that the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, has deployed an anti-crime police team to restore order in the area.
SP Ikenga further called on witnesses to come forward with information, saying, “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 incident are still sketchy, and we urge witnesses to volunteer information that will help identify the perpetrators for possible arrest.”
