About four persons have been feared killed in a cult-related shoot-out at Ifite Awka area, behind the school gate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants attacked around 9:30 am on Thursday, shooting at persons suspected to be members of rival cult groups.
In his response, the Anambra State Police Command Spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga said that men operatives of the command have cordoned off the area and investigations have commenced.
He said that Initial reports indicated that the armed individuals began firing indiscriminately without provocation, resulting in fatal injuries to four individuals in the vicinity, who were subsequently transported to the hospital for medical assistance by the police.
Ikenga further stated that several spent bullet casings had been collected from the location and also mentioned that operations in the area were continuing, and any new information would be shared with the public as it becomes available.
Also, the Anambra State Police Command has announced the initiation of an investigation into several intercepted videos and voice recordings circulating on social media that contain threats of violence within the state.
The Command emphasized that it is treating these clips with utmost seriousness and is committed to fulfilling its responsibility of upholding law and order, ensuring that no individual or group is permitted to violate the fundamental human rights of others.
“Recall that the Command in the past has arrested some persons involved in such acts of making videos and voice notes to cause tension, and panic to distract the peace of Ndi Anambra.
“Given the above, Police and Other Security Forces have intensified patrols, and improved security dominance and surveillance to enforce the law, maintain Public Order, Public Safety and other Support Services in the State,” the police statement read in part.