At least six people were feared dead after armed men, believed to be members of rival cult factions, reportedly launched attacks in certain areas of Awka, the capital of Anambra State, on Sunday.
It was reported that the assaults occurred in Okpuno area, around Eke Awka and Obinagu. There was also a similar incident near Eke Awka Market, around Opposite Dike Park, all in Awka, the capital city.
While the exact number of casualties was not immediately available, sources in the affected areas stated that the victims were heading for a picnic and other social events when the armed men invaded the area in large numbers and began firing shots.
The motive for the shooting has not been officially determined, but sources in the area suggested that the armed men may have been involved in a struggle for supremacy.
A resident in one of the areas stated, "The victims were on their way to various events when they were fatally shot by the armed men who arrived in the area at around noon on Sunday.
The violence also spread to other areas where additional individuals were reportedly shot by the suspected cultists.
It was reported that one of the individuals hit by gunfire was a staff member of the Anambra State Judiciary known as Nwofor, who was reportedly en route to an event before the armed men attacked.
This has been supported by a video circulating on social media, showing the bodies of individuals shot in the Eke Awka vicinity.
While one of the victims was observed struggling in pain in a pool of blood next to his fallen motorcycle, bystanders were seen fleeing to safety.
The police had recently apprehended some cult members following cult-related killings in Awka, but the incidents continue to occur.
However, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, when contacted, stated that there was no such report before him and he could not confirm the incident.
