Victor EzejaAnambra State government has vowed to hunt down gunmen who invaded Nibo Community in Awka South Local Government Area and killed not less than 12 persons on Sunday, 20th October.
In a statement released on Sunday, the state Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor said the killing in Nibo was carried out by suspected cultists.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe state government appealed to members of the public to avail it of any useful information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators, while assuring them of confidentiality and a handsome reward.
The statement said: “This is just another instance of the kind of violent crimes linked to cults that have occurred recently, and the state government is determined to put an end to it.
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“The government sympathises with the families of the deceased and assures them that the government will get to the root of the incident and bring the perpetrators to book.
“To this end, the government appeals to members of the public to avail it of any useful information that will lead to the arrest of the perpetrators, while assuring them of confidentiality and a handsome reward.”
It advised the public to go about their normal businesses, assuring that it was working with security agencies for ensure safety.
Prime Business Africa had reported that the annual new year festival in Nibo Community turned bloody on Sunday afternoon when gunmen invaded the community and killed and injured people.
The gunmen were said to have invaded a drinking bar at Oye Nwochichi Market in Nibo Community and opened fire, killing eight persons instantly. They later proceeded to another locality near Eke Nibo Market, where some casualties were also recorded.
Narrating the incident in an audio message, Security Director, Nibo Community, Wadada, said the gunmen came into the community through Amawbia with two unregistered vehicles – Lexus Jeep and Sienna car, and opened fire at the market square.
He revealed that among those killed was one of the local vigilante operatives who was on security patrol when the gunmen struck.
He added that there were scores of other people wounded by bullets fired by the gunmen.
According to him, vigilante men engaged them in gun battle before they escaped through
The Nibo security director, however, said he is yet to ascertain the identity of the killers.
He called for collaboration of all stakeholders to boost security in the community.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
