Unidentified gunmen, suspected to be cultists, have shot dead the President-General of Ogidi community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Ikwuka Okoye, popularly known as Anumili, along with another man.
The attack, which occurred late Friday at the School Field in Ogidi, was reportedly carried out by members of a rival cult group in retaliation for the arrest and killing of their leader by local security operatives.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants stormed the area and opened fire, leaving the community leader and his relative, who was with him at the time, dead at the scene.
Residents described the incident as shocking and condemned the killing, noting that Okoye was a duly elected President-General of the community.
A source in the area said the gunmen invaded the community at night and carried out the attack before fleeing, sparking fear and outrage among locals.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who said preliminary findings suggest the attack may be connected to the recent capture and killing of a suspected cultist in the community.
According to him, police operatives have taken control of the scene and launched an investigation, relying on eyewitness accounts and available intelligence to track down those responsible.
The command assured residents that efforts were underway to arrest the perpetrators and bring them to justice, while urging members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as investigations continue.
Further updates, the police said, would be communicated as the investigation progresses.
