Hoodlums, believed to be cultists, launched an attack in Ifite-Awka near Nnamdi Azikiwe University’s main gate in Awka, Anambra State, resulting in the deaths of at least six individuals.
According to eyewitnesses, who spoke to our correspondent on Thursday, the armed assailants stormed the area in the early hours and began firing at individuals, presumed to be members of a rival cult, causing widespread panic.
Reports suggest the attackers were searching for members of the rival group, who were said to be near the UNIZIK school gate.
One witness, a UNIZIK student, recounted, “Over six people were shot dead near Witness Garden on Ifite Amansea Road. The attackers arrived around 9:30 am and started shooting at people suspected to be part of a cult.”
“A lecturer on her way to the campus had to turn back. She called me, saying she saw seven bodies lying on the ground,” the witness added.
Anambra State Police Command spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, stating, “A police response team has taken control of the scene where the shooting occurred around 9:15 am on 24/10/2024 in Ifite, behind UNIZIK gate. Armed men opened fire without provocation, and four individuals were fatally struck and taken to the hospital by police for treatment. Empty bullet shells were also recovered at the scene. Operations are ongoing, and further information will be provided in due course.”
