Many feared dead as gunmen attack UNIZIK community

A devastating attack occurred on Thursday, October 24, 2024, in Awka, the capital of Anambra State, leaving several people dead.

The incident, which took place around 9:15 a.m. near Ifite, close to Nnamdi Azikiwe University, caused widespread panic.

Eyewitnesses reported the chaos, with one stating, “Gunmen just shot a guy a few minutes ago at Ifite, Awka. He’s lying lifeless.” A lecturer passing through the area also reported seeing seven bodies, prompting him to turn back.

This tragic event is the latest in a series of violent incidents in southeastern Nigeria. Previous attacks in the region have been linked to various militant groups, including the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The complex security situation has persisted, with numerous fatalities reported in recent years.

The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the attack but did not provide an official casualty figure. He assured that a police team had been deployed to the scene and promised further updates.

“We received the information on the attack and a police response team had been deployed to the scene,” he said.

The incident has thrown residents of the area into serious panic and fear as the heavy sounds of gunfire were heard in the area majorly occupied by students.

On Sunday, about 16 persons were killed in similar shootings at a festival in Nibo, in the same Awka South Local Government Area of the state.

The state government had vowed to track down the perpetrators but no arrest has been made or made public after the incident, which the government and the police have attributed to cult activities.