Gunmen invade burial event in Anambra, kill 16, injure scores

There was mayhem at Ebenebe, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State on Saturday as gunmen suspected to be cultists stormed the venue of a burial ceremony and opened fire on mourners, killing at least 16 of them while many others were injured.

The gunmen were also said to have seized the corpse of 34-year-old Ozor Chibuike Joseph Chukwuka being prepared for burial and shot it several times over before driving away.

Ozor

It is unclear what prompted the killing, but witnesses said the late Chukwuka was a suspected cultist who was earlier killed in cult confrontation.

The Anambra State Police command confirmed the incident to PUNCH, stating that it was a case of cult rivalry.

The state police spokesman, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga, who responded to the message sent to his phone line, said, “Yes, this morning (Saturday), there was an incident at Ebenebe. A burial was going on when some people suspected to be cultists invaded the area and started shooting.

“I do not have details of casualties now, but I will keep you informed once the picture becomes clear.

“For now, the Commissioner of Police, CP Echeng Echeng, has despatched tactical squads comprising of various units to the area to maintain calm.”

Why is the media silent about this ? @UchePOkoye @RadicalYouthMan @Chief__Adam @ChidiOdinkalu @ChifeDr @AfamDeluxo

Mr Bayo Ororo Peace Mass https://t.co/GeJlnAefoy pic.twitter.com/HHAIk22Z2k

— Iyanuoluwa Igbeyinadun (@omobabaijebu101) February 26, 2022