The Anambra State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the killing of four individuals by suspected cultists during a funeral ceremony in Ezi Village, Ogidi, located in Idemili North Local Government Area.
The attack occurred on Thursday when armed men stormed the funeral and opened fire on guests. Four people were confirmed dead, while at least 15 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Police spokesperson, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident in a statement on Friday, attributing the violence to a suspected clash between rival cult groups.
He noted that officers from the Ogidi Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, responded swiftly to the distress call and brought the situation under control.
“During the operation, 16 expended cartridges were recovered from the scene as evidence,” Ikenga stated.
“The command has launched a discreet investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible.”
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, condemned the attack and reassured residents of the Command’s determination to eliminate cult-related violence and other criminal acts from the state.
The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant, maintain calm, and report any suspicious activity to the nearest security agency.
This latest incident follows a similar tragedy in July, when 13 people, reportedly of Ebonyi State origin, were killed during a town union meeting in Ogboji community, Orumba South Local Government Area.
Reacting to the July killings, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru expressed shock and demanded a thorough investigation.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor, the governor condemned the act and called for calm among affected communities.
Meanwhile, Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, clarified that the attack was not ethnically or regionally motivated.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victims.
“The government expects the police to carry out a full investigation and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book,” the statement read.
“We remain committed to protecting all residents of Anambra, regardless of origin.”
