Gunmen, suspected to be cultists, have killed two persons at separate locations in Awka, the Anambra State capital. The incident occurred on Sunday within the Amaenyi Area and S.M. Okeke Street, both in Awka. Residents said that although several persons were shot during the encounter, two persons have been confirmed dead as of Sunday night.
One of the persons killed during the attack was identified as Isaac Nwosu, an elderly man. A resident, who asked not to be named for fear of attack, said the gunmen were believed to be members of Aye, a dreaded cult group. The resident said that although Mr Nwosu was not a cultist, the attackers were said to have targeted one of his sons, named Chinedu, who is reportedly a member of Vikings, another cult group.
The police in Anambra State confirmed the development in a statement on Monday. The police spokesperson in the state, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the police command condemned the deadly attack. He confirmed that two persons, including Mr Nwosu, were killed during the attack, but did not state that cultists carried it out. “The Command has consequently intensified the ongoing manhunt for the perpetrators and is calling for the support and cooperation of members of the public to assist in bringing the suspects to justice,” he said.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Nnanna Ama, condemned the deadly attack, describing the killings as “unacceptable and a direct affront to the peace and security of the state.” He directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, for discreet and comprehensive investigation. He also ordered operatives to intensify patrols, surveillance and intelligence gathering across Awka and adjoining areas.
The winners: none. The losers: the families of the two victims; and the residents of Awka, who live in fear of cult-related violence.
Bottom Line: Two people are dead in Awka after a cult-related attack. The police are investigating. The question is whether the perpetrators will be caught or the violence will continue.