A peaceful celebration turned into a bloodbath on Sunday when gunmen attacked Nibo, a community in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, during the Onwa Asaa Festival, a traditional event.
The attackers, reportedly arriving in a Lexus SUV, opened fire on festival-goers at a restaurant in Oye Nwochichi Market, killing at least 10 people.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but locals believe cultists were involved in what is being described as a “cult-related clash.”
Emeka Ofomata, an eyewitness, described the harrowing incident to Premium Times:
“They drove in aggressively and started shooting everyone around, both inside and outside the restaurant. We haven’t counted the dead bodies, but they are more than 10.”
Residents also reported that after the initial assault, the gunmen drove to the nearby Eke Nibo Market, where they continued their rampage, shooting more victims. The exact number of casualties at this second location is still unconfirmed.
Anambra State Police Command confirmed the attack but has yet to provide an official count of the deceased.
Ikenga, the police spokesperson, classified the incident as a “cult-related clash” and stated that additional security forces have been deployed to the area to restore calm and investigate the crime.
He said Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono, has ordered immediate action to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended.
Ikenga urged anyone with information on the attackers to come forward, assuring that all tips would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
Videos of the aftermath, showing lifeless bodies in pools of blood, have been circulating on social media.
One victim, spotted in a viral video, was wearing a vigilante shirt, hinting that local security operatives were also targeted in the attack.
Although no group has claimed responsibility, many residents have linked the attack to cult-related violence, a growing menace in the state.
