Anambra: Four die, 15 injured, as suspected cultists clash at burial ceremony

 

By Okechukwu Onuegbu 

Gunmen suspected to be cultists have attacked a burial ceremony at Ezi village, Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area (LGA), Anambra State, killing about four persons and left 15 others injured.

Sources told Blueprint that the incident occured late Thursday night, during a wake-keep as the suspects came and started shooting at attendees for the programme, thereby making people to scamper for safety.

The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Tochukwu Ikenga, who has confirmed the incident said that the operatives through Ogidi Division has restored normalcy to the place.

 

"Armed men suspected to be cultists invaded a burial ceremony at Ezi Village, Ogidi, Idemili North LGA and opened fire on the attendees, resulting in the death of four persons while fifteen others sustained serious injuries.

"Police Operatives from Ogidi Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, swiftly mobilized to the scene, restored normalcy, and immediately evacuated the victims to hospitals for medical attention. In the course of the operation, 16 (sixteen) expended cartridges were recovered as exhibits.

"The Command has since launched a discreet investigation to identify, trace, and arrest the perpetrators, as preliminary findings suggest that the incident is connected to a clash between rival cult groups.

"The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command (CP), Dr Ikioye Orutugu, has strongly condemned the incident and assured residents that the Command remains resolute in its commitment to rid the State of cult-related violence and other criminal activities," he added.