The Nibo community in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State erupted in chaos on Sunday as gunmen opened fire at Oye Nwochichi market, near the Community Old Maternity.
Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants arrived in a brown Lexus 300 Jeep and indiscriminately shot at the crowd.
While the exact number of casualties is still unclear, community members indicated that at least 10 bodies have been recovered from the scene.
Police spokesman Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the incident, noting that it appears to be a cult-related clash between rival groups. The Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Itam, has ordered the deployment of additional officers to the area and urged witnesses to come forward with information to aid in the investigation.
“The Command is aware of a suspected cult-related clash today, 20/10/2024, in Nibo, Awka South LG. Preliminary reports are still sketchy, and we are calling on witnesses to help identify the perpetrators for possible arrest,” Ikenga stated.
