Four dead as rival cultists attack Afor Nawfia Market in Anambra

Four people were killed on Sunday in a violent cult clash near Afor Market Junction in Nawfia community, Njikoka Local Government Area, Anambra State, the police confirmed on Monday.

Anambra State Police Command Spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the attack was carried out by rival cult members in a black Lexus Jeep whose registration number is still unknown. The hoodlums reportedly stormed the market and opened fire indiscriminately before fleeing the scene.

“Preliminary information obtained at the scene has provided useful leads, and the Command is already acting on them to ensure the perpetrators are tracked down and arrested,” Ikenga said.

Proactive police measures precede attack

The police noted that four days earlier, operatives from the Special Anti-Cult Squad in Enugwu-Ukwu had arrested two suspected cultists and recovered a firearm, based on credible intelligence about a planned confrontation. The arrested suspects have been cooperating with the authorities to prevent further violence in Awka and surrounding areas.

Despite these efforts, members of the same gang carried out the deadly attack on December 7, 2025, resulting in four fatalities. SP Ikenga reiterated the Command’s commitment to eradicating cultism and violent crime in the state.

Residents in shock

Locals described scenes of chaos as the attackers opened fire. “It was chaos. The attackers came out of nowhere in a commando-like fashion and started shooting indiscriminately,” an eyewitness said.

Other community members expressed shock and called for increased security presence to prevent future attacks. Video footage circulating online showed residents fleeing for safety while some victims lay lifeless on the ground.

The police have launched an investigation and vowed to apprehend those responsible for the attack. Further updates will be communicated as the investigation progresses.