Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
No fewer than 15 persons were reportedly shot dead when hoodlums invaded Nibo community close to Governor’s Lodge at Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area.
The tragedy occurred on Sunday during the Nibo community’s celebration of the Onwa Asaa festival.
Ikengaonline learned that the victims were at Oye Nwochichi Market, by Nibo Old Maternity, when the hoodlums stormed and immediately opened fire on them.
The gunfire caused panic and chaos as people fled in different directions to escape the violence.
An eyewitness said the yet-to-be identified hoodlums came in a brown-colored Lexus 300 Jeep and carried out their operation, after which they immediately zoomed off to Eke Nibo Market, where they also gunned down more people.
The total number of persons killed is yet to be confirmed but sources said no fewer than 15 persons were gunned down.
A trending video also showed corpses littered everywhere as they were seen in a pool of their blood.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated they are aware of the suspected cult-related clash that took place on 20/10/2024 in Nibo, Awka South Local Government.
According to him, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, has ordered the immediate deployment of additional operatives to the area for necessary action.
He said that the preliminary reports on the incidents are still sketchy, and the Command is calling on witnesses to come forward with information that could help identify the perpetrators for possible arrest.
Ikenga assured that any information provided will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
