From Emmanuel Uzor, Awka
Gunmen suspected to be cultists have killed about 15 persons at Nibo, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Daily Sun gathered that the incident occurred yesterday afternoon at Nwochichi market very close to Governor’s lodge.
According to a source,” there was pandemonium yesterday morning when church members were either in prayer session in the churches or retuning from service. The shooting caused serious panic and people scampered for safety. When the smoke from the gunshots settled, blood was flowing like the rivers and over 15 young men in their prime lost their lives. We are suspecting that the gunmen were cultists on a revenge mission. There is palpable fear in the community as people are scared of reprisal attack”
Another source said that the incident happened yesterday afternoon at the Oye Nwochichi Market, by Nibo Old Maternity, where the hoodlums who were said to be operating in an ash coloured vehicle opened fire on people around the area.
The incident threw the entire community into tension as people ran for safety resulting in security beef up around the Governor’s lodge.
Anambra State Police Command confirmed the incident, and described it as a cult related clash and called for calm even as it orderred for security back up in the area.
Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer(PPRO), SP Toochukwu Ikenga, said the Command was aware of suspected cult-related clash in Nibo, Awka South council area.
He said Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam, had 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. Be assured that information sent in this regard shall be treated with utmost confidentiality”.