Violence erupted in Nibo community and Nodu-Okpuno Village in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State on Sunday, leading to the deaths of at least 13 people.
The clashes are believed to be linked to cult activities.
The violence broke out during the community’s New Yam Festival, called the ‘Nibo Onwa Asaa Festival,’ and quickly spread to different parts of the area.
According to the PUNCH, rival cult groups targeted each other in several deadly attacks.
One eyewitness, Matthias Ugwoke, explained that the violence started at a local drinking bar near Oye Nwochichi Market in Nibo, where a suspected cult group opened fire on members of a rival group. “The attackers stormed the bar and killed about eight people on the spot,” he said.
A source, who did not want to be named, said the attackers arrived in a brown Lexus Jeep, shot at people in the bar, and then drove to Eke Nibo Market, where they killed five more people. “Nibo is on fire. Lifeless bodies are scattered across the roads,” the source said. “Some people were hit by stray bullets, and many others were injured.”
Videos circulating on social media showed the aftermath of the violence, with bodies lying across different areas of the community.
In another incident in Nodu Village, also in Awka South, three more people were feared dead after gunmen, believed to be cultists, opened fire.
The streets of Nibo were deserted when reporters arrived around 5:30 pm, as people stayed indoors out of fear. Traders who had prepared for the New Yam Festival hurriedly packed up their goods and left the area.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the clashes. Police spokesman SP Tochukwu Ikenga said, “The command is aware of a suspected cult-related clash today in Nibo, Awka South. The Commissioner of Police has ordered immediate deployment of additional operatives to the area.”
Although the police have not yet confirmed the exact number of casualties, Ikenga urged witnesses to come forward with information. “We need help to identify the perpetrators for possible arrest. Please contact the police on the provided numbers,” he added.
