Tragedy struck the Nibo community in Anambra State on Sunday as a father and his six-year-old son were among the victims of a violent cult clash that claimed at least 13 lives. The attack occurred during the community’s New Yam festival, “Olili Onwa Asaa,” turning a festive event into a bloodbath.
Eyewitnesses reported that the child, playing near his father’s shop at Oye Nwochichi Market, was hit by a stray bullet when unknown gunmen stormed the area and opened fire on the crowd. His father, identified as Echee, a shop owner in the market, was also killed in the attack.
The gunmen continued their assault at Eke Nibo Market, indiscriminately shooting at people enjoying the festivities. Uchenna, the only son of his parents and a vigilante officer on patrol during the festival, was also among those killed.
The Security Director of Nibo, “Wadara,” confirmed the tragic deaths, noting that Uchenna, who had been on duty to provide security for the event, was gunned down during an exchange of fire with the attackers. Several injured victims were rushed to the hospital for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased have been collected by their grieving families.
In a viral voice note circulating on social media, a survivor of the attack recounted his narrow escape, describing how one of the gunmen had aimed at him but was stopped by a fellow assailant who informed him he wasn’t a target.
The Anambra State Police Command, in a statement released by its spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, attributed the violence to clashes between rival cult groups. On Monday, the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, visited the crime scene, pledging to leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The Commissioner condemned what he described as attempts by some community members to interfere with the investigation, including efforts to conceal evidence. While no arrests have been made, the police are appealing to anyone with useful information to come forward to aid their investigation.
