Gunmen, suspected to be cultists, have killed two persons at separate locations in Awka, the Anambra State capital.
The incident, PREMIUM TIMES gathered, occurred on Sunday within the Amaenyi Area and S.M. Okeke Street, both in Awka.
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Residents told this newspaper 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.
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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.
Police speak
The police in Anambra State confirmed the development in a statement on Monday.
In the statement, the police spokesperson in the state, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the police command condemned the deadly attack.
Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, 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 spokesperson narrated that police operatives immediately stormed Awka upon receiving information that gunmen had attacked and killed two persons in the area.
Upon arrival at the scenes, the operatives recovered the bodies of the victims along Capital City Road, Amaenyi, and S.M. Okeke Street, Amaikwo, Awka, respectively.
“The victims were taken to a hospital, where they were subsequently confirmed dead by medical personnel.
“While one of the victims is yet to be identified, the second victim has been identified as Isaac Nwosu, male, also known as ‘Azia,’” he stated.
“The operatives also recovered from the scene the sum of ₦7,550, one Moniepoint ATM card and a pair of slippers.”
Police commissioner reacts
Mr Ikenga 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.”
Mr Ama directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, for discreet and comprehensive investigation.
READ ALSO: One operative, six gunmen killed during shootout in Anambra – Police
The commissioner also ordered operatives to intensify patrols, surveillance and intelligence gathering across Awka and adjoining areas.
The police chief called on community leaders, residents, motorists, business owners and other members of the public who may have witnessed the incidents or have information regarding the suspects, their movements or the vehicle used in the attacks to come forward and assist the police.
“Such information will be treated with utmost confidentiality,” he assured.
He reiterated the Command’s readiness to partner with the community, which he said remains critical to effective policing.
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