Anambra Cult Violence Leaves Four Dead
By Wolimoh Abdulmateen
Not fewer than four people have been confirmed dead after a violent attack on Sunday near the Afor Market Junction in the Nawfia community of Njikoka Local Government Area, Anambra State. The incident caused panic in the area as residents fled for safety during a sudden burst of gunfire.
The Anambra State Police Command spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the attack in a statement issued on Monday. He linked the incident to a renewed clash between rival cult groups, explaining that armed men believed to be members of the same gang arrived in a black Lexus Jeep and opened fire indiscriminately before escaping.
Ikenga said the attackers fled before police operatives reached the scene, but useful information gathered from eyewitnesses has already given the Command strong leads. He assured that efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest those responsible for the killings.
According to the police statement, the incident occurred despite earlier successful efforts by the Special Anti-Cult Squad in Enugwu-Ukwu, who had arrested two key suspects four days before the attack. A firearm was also recovered during that operation, and the suspects have been helping police with information aimed at preventing further cult violence in Awka and surrounding areas.
The police noted that the attackers defied these proactive measures when they stormed Afor Nawfia Market on December 7, 2025, and opened fire, killing four people on the spot. The Command emphasized that it remains committed to fighting cultism, violent crime, and criminal activities across Anambra State.
Residents of Nawfia said the attack threw the community into confusion. Those near the scene described a commando-style strike, with armed men arriving suddenly and shooting at anyone in sight. Many people scampered for safety, while several victims were left lying in pools of blood.
Eyewitnesses who spoke to reporters said they were still in shock over the level of brutality displayed during the attack. Some residents called for stronger security presence, noting that the incident has left the community tense and fearful.
A source at the scene said, “The attackers came out of nowhere and started shooting. We don’t know why they did it, but our people are traumatized.”
Video footage shared online shows residents running for safety while several lifeless bodies lay on the ground. Police have opened a full investigation and promised to provide updates as the case progresses.