The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the killing of four persons by gunmen during a funeral ceremony in Ezi Village, Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area.
The attack, which occurred on Thursday, left at least 15 other mourners injured. Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement on Friday, said preliminary investigations indicate the incident was linked to a cult-related clash.
“Officers from Ogidi Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, responded swiftly to a distress call and restored normalcy at the scene. Sixteen expended cartridges were recovered as exhibits,” Ikenga noted.
He added that all injured victims were taken to hospital for treatment, while a discreet investigation is underway to identify and apprehend those behind the killings.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, strongly condemned the attack, assuring residents that the Command remains committed to tackling cult-related violence and other criminal activities across the state. He urged the public to stay calm, remain vigilant, and provide useful information to the nearest police formation.
The state government, through Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, also condemned the killings, stressing that the violence was not targeted at any ethnic group. He called on the police to ensure a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Thursday’s attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents in Anambra. Barely two months ago, 13 people were killed by gunmen in Ogboji community, Orumba South LGA.
Residents have since expressed growing concern over rising cases of cultism and unchecked gun violence in parts of the state.
