In a tragic incident, gunmen suspected to be cultists attacked the Ifite-Awka area, near the school gate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), leaving at least six people dead. The incident occurred early Thursday morning, causing widespread panic and disrupting normal activities in the area.
Eyewitnesses reported that the gunmen arrived at around 9:30 a.m., armed and ready, and began shooting indiscriminately at people near Witness Garden on Ifite Amansea Road. The victims are believed to be members of a rival cult group targeted by the attackers. The sudden eruption of gunfire sent students and locals scrambling for safety.
A student from UNIZIK, who witnessed the attack, shared the terrifying experience.
“Over six persons were shot dead near Witness Garden. The gunmen invaded the area at about 9:30 a.m. today and began shooting at people they suspected to be members of a rival cult group. One of our lecturers was on her way to school but turned back after seeing seven people lying on the ground,” the student recounted.
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The Anambra State Police Command quickly responded to the incident, deploying a team to secure the scene. SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesperson for the command, confirmed the attack and detailed the initial findings of the investigation.
“The Police responding team has taken over the scene of indiscriminate shooting today, 24/10/2024, by 9:15 a.m. at Ifite, behind UNIZIK gate, Awka, by suspected gunmen,” Ikenga said.
He added, “Preliminary information showed that the armed men, unprovoked, started shooting sporadically, and some bullets fatally hit four persons in the area. They were rushed to the hospital for aid by the police operatives. Also, some empty shells of bullets have been recovered at the scene.”
The violence has disrupted the peace in the university area, leaving students and residents fearful. The police have launched an ongoing operation to track down the attackers and restore calm.
Ikenga assured the public that “operations are ongoing in the area, and further details shall be communicated.”