From Chuks Collins, Awka
Following the killings on Sunday, 20 October, 2024 in Nibo community which left about 12 persons dead, the Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has paid a visit to Nibo community, Awka South Local Government Area where a yet to be ascertained number of people, especially young men were victims.
The Governor condoled with the families of the victims and community over the sad incident which was suspected to be cult related killings.
He vowed not relent until the perpetrators were arrested and brought to justice.
Soludo again urged the people to go about their legitimate duties, and that no matter where the perpetrators hide, they will be brought out for sanctioning.
He assured all the people of their safety and general wellbeing.
Earlier in the day, the state Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefoh in a statement titled “Cult-related killings at Nibo community: Government to hunt down perpetrators” stated that the Government announced, “a handsome Reward Awaits Volunteers Of Information on the gunmen that carried out the unfortunate Nibo massacre of Sunday afternoon.
The statement acknowledged that “Anambra State Government is aware of the deaths that resulted from alleged cult-related killings that occurred in Nibo, Awka South LG, today, October 20, 2024.
“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.
“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.
“Law-abiding Anambra State residents are advised to go about their lawful businesses without fear while the state government works with security services to handle the incident.
“Hotlines for relaying this and related information will be made available.”
It would be recalled that some yet-to-be-identified gunmen yesterday (Sunday afternoon) invaded the Oye Nwochichi Market, Nibo beside Eke Nibo Market, Awka South council and without warning opened fire on spectators making merry, byestanders, and some who were eating and drinking in the restaurant nearby instantly killing no fewer than ten persons.
The Anambra State Police command in a statement issued on Sunday, 20 October, 2024, attributed the incident to a cult-related clash between rival cult groups.
