By FOUR people were on Sunday evening shot dead, while several others sustained varying degrees of gunshot wounds, following an alleged attack by a rival cult group at Afor Market, Nawfia Community in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The assailants were said to have arrived in a black vehicle and opened fire indiscriminately, causing panic as traders and residents fled for safety.
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The incident occurred just days after the Anambra State Police Command carried out an operation in the neighbouring town of Enugwu-Ukwu, where two suspected cult members were arrested over an alleged plan to launch a rival attack. Some of their accomplices reportedly escaped and remain at large.
Confirming the tragic development, the President-General of Nawfia Progressive Union, Chief Daniel Okoye, said: “This evening, I received with deep shock the news of an attack at the Afor Market Junction in Nawfia Community. The incident resulted in multiple casualties, caused by unknown assailants who carried out this senseless act of violence.
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“I strongly condemn this heartbreaking incident and the attempt to disrupt the peace of our beloved community. I have already contacted the relevant security agencies, and investigations are underway to uncover those responsible.
“I appeal to all Ndi Nawfia to remain calm, stay vigilant, and continue to cooperate with security operatives as they work tirelessly to restore normalcy and ensure our safety.”
Reacting to the attack, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that some suspects linked to the criminal gang have been arrested through intelligence reports.
He said preliminary findings suggest the attack may be connected to those who fled during the earlier police raid.
According to him, “The Anambra State Police Command wishes to provide a comprehensive update on the cult-related attack that occurred on the evening of 7 December 2025 at Afor Nawfia Market, along the Onitsha–Awka old road.
“It will be recalled that operatives attached to the Special Anti-Cult Squad, Enugwu-Ukwu, acting on credible intelligence, arrested two dangerous suspects and recovered a firearm. The suspects have since been assisting the Police with valuable information to prevent further cult-related violence within Awka and its environs.
“Despite these proactive efforts, some members of the same gang, operating in a black Lexus Jeep with a registration number yet to be identified, stormed the market and opened fire indiscriminately. Four persons sustained fatal gunshot wounds and the attackers fled immediately.”
He added that although the hoodlums escaped before police arrived, useful leads have been obtained, and a manhunt is ongoing.
“The Anambra State Police Command remains resolute in its determination to eradicate cultism, violent crime and all forms of criminality in the state. Further updates will be provided as investigations advance.”
Residents have called on security agencies to intensify patrols and restore calm to the community.
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