The Anambra State Police Command, weekend, confirmed the attack at Nibo, Awka South Local Government Area, which led to the killing of scores of people during a popular festival.
The masterminds reportedly stormed the venue in a black Lexus SUV, and opened fire indiscriminately, which left many dead while some sustained fatal injuries.
The state police command, through its Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement, said police operatives had been deployed to the scene.
According to him, “The command is aware of a suspected cult-related clash 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.”
He assured such volunteers that information sent in this regard would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
THE WHISTLER gathered that the crime scene is a few electric poles from the state governor’s lodge, where the state governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, resides.
The attack occurred during the Onwa Asaa festival celebrations, a time meant for joy and unity, said an eyewitness, adding that “It was like a war zone. The gunmen came out of nowhere, shooting everywhere. People were running for their lives, screaming and crying. It was chaos.”
“We are devastated,” said a local resident. “How can someone do this to us during our celebration? It’s heartbreaking.”
“We urge the government to take immediate action,” said a community leader. “We cannot continue to live in fear. We need peace and security.”
Police Confirm Killing Of Scores During Anambra Festival is first published on The Whistler Newspaper