A shooting spree in Awka, Anambra State capital on Thursday morning, has claimed several lives, according to multiple videos from different sources, some of whom are students in the vicinity.
One of such sources had said the shooting happened in Ifite Awka, at approximately 9:15 a.m., leaving several people dead. The student also added that the shooting may have connections to cultism.
Ifite-Awka in Awka, Anambra State is mostly dominated by students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
Just last Sunday, no fewer than 12 people were shot at in a cult-related shooting in Nibo, a town close to Awka.
Students who were close-by when it all happened have said that Thursday’s shooting happened at Ifite, close to the back gate of Unizik, Awka, not very far from Amansea Road.
At the time of filing this report at about 12:58 pm on Thursday, October 24, the actual number of victims killed in the shooting and their perpetrators remain unknown and unconfirmed, but the State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, said a police responding team has taken over the scene and further details will be communicated shortly even as he failed to confirm the incident.
In another press statement, Ikenga revealed that the command had intercepted some videos and voice note of persons who planned to wreak havoc in Awka.
In his words:
“Anambra State Police Command begins investigation on some intercepted videos and voice notes on social media space threatening violence in the state.
“The Police Command not taking those clips for granted and saddled with the responsibility of maintaining law and order shall live up to its mandate of ensuring that no person or group of persons is allowed to infringe on the fundamental human rights of others.
“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.”