Gunmen suspected to be cultist have shot dead the President-General of Ogidi Community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Mr. Ikwuka Okoye, along with his relative whose identity has yet to be confirmed.
The attack occurred on Friday night at a school field within the community, according to information gathered by Diaspora Digital Media.
The killings reportedly took place shortly after local vigilante operatives arrested and killed a suspected leader of a cult group operating in the area.
This development has sparked speculation that the community leader and his relative were targeted in a retaliatory attack by members of the cult group.
However, Diaspora Digital Media could not independently verify the motive behind the killings.
Police Confirm Attack
The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the incident.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Tochukwu Ikenga, a Superintendent of Police, said the command regrets the attack and the loss of lives.
According to Mr. Ikenga, preliminary investigations suggest that the incident may be linked to the recent arrest and killing of a notorious cultist in the community.
“Following the report, police operatives swiftly took over the scene of the incident and commenced investigations,” he said.
“The Command is currently working with eyewitness accounts and other available intelligence to identify and arrest the perpetrators.”
He assured residents that security efforts have been intensified and urged them to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement agencies as investigations continue.
“Further developments will be communicated in due course,” he added.
Worsening Insecurity in Anambra
Anambra State remains one of the states worst affected by insecurity in Nigeria’s South-east region.
The situation has been worsened by the combination of cult-related violence and attacks linked to separatist agitation.
The outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has been accused of involvement in several deadly incidents in the state and across the region, though the group has repeatedly denied responsibility for such attacks.
Beyond separatist-linked violence, cultism remains a major security concern in Anambra. In recent years, the state has recorded multiple cult-related killings and clashes.
In June last year, police foiled a cult initiation ceremony in Nawfia, Njikoka Local Government Area, arresting six suspects.
In October 2024, four persons were killed during a clash between rival cult groups in the same community.
Similarly, in July 2023, suspected cultists reportedly beheaded a rival cult leader in another Anambra community, while in November 2022, six people were killed in Awka during a gun battle between rival cult groups.
Cultism, also referred to as secret society activities, is outlawed in Nigeria. In Anambra State, it is prohibited under the Anambra State Secret Cult and Similar Activities Prohibition Law, 2024.
Under the law, membership of a secret cult constitutes an offence, regardless of whether the individual is found in possession of a weapon.
Convicted offenders face life imprisonment or a minimum of 21 years in prison without the option of a fine.
