Anambra killings not targeted at any ethnic, religious groups – Police

The Anambra State Police Command has insisted that the killings that occurred at Ifite-Awka, near the Nnamdi Azikiwe University school gate on Thursday, were not targeted at any ethnic or religious groups.

The killings perpetrated by some yet-to-be-identified assailants suspected to be cultists left no fewer than nine persons dead, and several others injured.

A video has been circulating on the social media claiming that the killings were targeted at an ethnic group.

But in a press statement on Friday, the command’s spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, dismissed the claims, saying the hoodlums invaded the area and started shooting in an attempt to escape being arrested by the police.

Ikenga said, “Anambra State Police command today 25/10/2024 intercepted a protest video on the unfortunate incident that happened at Ifite Awka on Thursday, 24/10/2024, that recorded the murder of five persons, and three others seriously injured; wishes to state that it is not targeted at any ethnic or religious groups.

“To set the records straight, preliminary information revealed that the armed men started shooting sporadically in an attempt to escape when police were alerted of their evil plan in the area.

“The command not wanting to join issues with anyone or group remains committed to the ongoing operational patrols, improved security dominance and surveillance targeted to enhance safety and nip to the board of such or any related incident in the state.

“While we commiserate with the families and friends of the victims, we assure that unlike other incidents recorded in the past and some of the miscreants involved were arrested and justice served, we will not rest until the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to book.”

On October 20, 2024, no fewer than 13 persons were killed in separate cult-related clashes in various sections of the Nibo community and Nodu-Okpuno Village, both in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Sunday.

It was gathered that the killings started when violence erupted and escalated around the community during the Nibo Onwa Asaa festival.