Kehinde Fajobi
The Anambra State Government has vowed to track down those responsible for the violent cult-related killings that claimed the lives of 13 people in Nibo, Awka South Local Government Area, on Sunday.
The killings occurred near the venue of the community’s ‘Nibo onwa asaa’ New Yam festival, where hoodlums, suspected to be cultists, opened fire on people near the Oye Nwochichi Market, close to Nibo Old Maternity. The attackers, who arrived in a Lexus 300 jeep, killed eight people instantly and later struck at another location, adding to the casualties.
In a press statement released on Monday, Anambra State’s Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, expressed the government’s concern and commitment to bringing the attackers to justice.
“The Anambra State Government is aware of the deaths that resulted from alleged cult-related killings that occurred in Nibo, Awka South LG, on Sunday, October 20, 2024,” the statement said.
Mefor continued, “This is just another instance of the kind of violent crimes linked to cults that have occurred recently, and the state government is determined to put an end to it.”
Offering condolences to the families of the victims, the commissioner promised that the government would thoroughly investigate the attack.
“The government sympathises with the families of the deceased and assures them that the government will get to the root of the incident and bring the perpetrators to book.”
The government also urged the public to provide any useful information leading to the arrest of the attackers, ensuring confidentiality and a reward for helpful tips.
Mefor encouraged law-abiding residents to continue their activities without fear, as the government works with security agencies to address the incident.
“Hotlines for relaying this and related information will be made available to the public,” he added.