February 27, 2022

Gunmen in their numbers suspected to be cultists on Saturday attacked participants at a funeral at Ebenebe community in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra killing at least 16 persons and injuring many.

Police in Anambra have confirmed the violent attack. A 34-year-old man whose funeral was holding at the time of the incident was said to have been killed on Dec. 30, 2021 at Amansea Area in Awka North by suspected cultists.

“It was during the lying-in-state at the residence of the deceased that the suspected cultists arrived at the scene and started shooting at mourners,’’ the source said.

A video of the attack posted on social media showed corpses lying all over the compound including the corpse of the person being buried which fell off the casket after it was pushed down from the table by the attackers. Some of the wounded persons were taken to the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital at Amaku, Awka.

“My brother is among those injured and we have been at the hospital since 11 a.m. trying to ensure that they stabilise him,’’ a witness said.

Police spokesman in Anambra, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the incident told newsmen that “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,’’ he said.

Ikenga added that the Commissioner of Police in Anambra, Mr Echeng Echeng, had dispatched a tactical squad comprising various units to the area to maintain peace and order.