Tragedy struck Awka, the Anambra State capital, on Sunday night after unidentified gunmen shot dead a popular comedian and media personality, Isaac Nwosu, popularly known as Aiza Nwosu, alongside another unidentified man.
The two victims were reportedly killed at separate locations in the city by the same assailants, raising concerns over renewed cult-related violence and insecurity in the state capital.
Nwosu was reportedly shot along S.M. Okeke Street, Amaikwo, Awka, while the second victim, a middle-aged man whose identity had yet to be established, was killed along Capital City Road, Amaenyi.
The motive for the attacks remained unclear as of Monday, although accounts from residents and eyewitnesses suggested that the incident might be connected to cult activities.
The shootings reportedly created panic in the affected areas, with residents scampering for safety as gunshots rented the air.
An eyewitness who spoke about the attack on the comedian said the assailants, numbering about three, were travelling in a tinted vehicle and allegedly trailed Nwosu from his residence.
According to the witness, the attackers later double-crossed the comedian’s vehicle before opening fire on him.
“The assailants, numbering about three and driving in a tinted vehicle, trailed the comedian from his home, double-crossed his vehicle and later attacked him, shooting him dead. They left the victim in a pool of blood inside his car,” the eyewitness said.
The witness further alleged that after killing Nwosu, the assailants drove to another location where they shot another man by the roadside and dispossessed him of his belongings.
“As they drove some distance away, they also shot another victim dead by the roadside, dispossessed him of his belongings and fled,” the source added.
The attackers were also said to have fired several shots into the air before leaving the area, heightening tension among residents.
Security operatives subsequently arrived at the scenes and recovered the bodies of the victims.
Videos circulating on social media also showed the lifeless bodies of the two victims lying in pools of blood at different locations, while residents gathered around the scenes.
Confirming the incident on Monday, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the command had commenced investigations and intensified efforts to apprehend those responsible.
Ikenga said the attacks occurred on Sunday, August 30, 2026, and resulted in the deaths of two people.
According to the police, preliminary information indicated that three unidentified persons travelling in a silver-coloured Toyota Corolla attacked the victims at separate locations within Awka.
“Information gathered so far reveals that three unidentified persons, travelling in a silver-coloured Toyota Corolla, with registration number yet to be ascertained, reportedly shot two persons at separate locations within Awka,” Ikenga said.
He explained that security operatives were immediately mobilised after receiving distress information and commenced efforts to track down the suspects.
The bodies of the victims were recovered from Capital City Road, Amaenyi, and S.M. Okeke Street, Amaikwo, respectively.
Ikenga said the victims were taken to a hospital where medical personnel subsequently confirmed them dead.
While one of the victims remained unidentified, the police confirmed the second victim as Isaac Nwosu, also known as Aiza.
The operatives reportedly recovered ₦7,550, a Moniepoint ATM card and a pair of slippers from the scene.
The police have not officially confirmed claims that the killings were cult-related, while the motive for the attacks remains under investigation.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnanna Ama, condemned the killings and described them as unacceptable and a direct threat to the peace and security of the state.
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He directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka for a discreet and comprehensive investigation.
The police commissioner also ordered intensified patrols, surveillance and intelligence gathering across Awka and neighbouring communities in an effort to prevent further attacks and apprehend the perpetrators.
The command appealed to community leaders, residents, motorists, business owners and others who may have witnessed the attacks or possess credible information about the suspects to come forward.
The police particularly requested information concerning the movements of the suspects and the vehicle allegedly used in the attacks.
The command assured members of the public that information provided would be treated with confidentiality.
The police said cooperation from residents remained critical to identifying and arresting those responsible for the killings.
The latest incident has heightened concerns over security in Awka, particularly amid allegations by residents that cult-related activities may be contributing to violent attacks in some parts of the city.
However, authorities have yet to establish a definitive link between the killings and any cult group.
Investigations are ongoing as security operatives intensify efforts to identify the attackers, determine their motive and establish whether the two shootings were part of a coordinated operation.
The killing of Nwosu has also sparked concern among residents and members of the entertainment community, with the circumstances surrounding his death likely to attract further attention as the police investigation progresses.