A popular comedian and media personality, Isaac Nwosu, popularly known as Aiza Nwosu, has been shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Awka, the Anambra State capital.
According to reports, the incident occurred late on Sunday, with another middle-aged man also killed by the same assailants at a separate location in the city.
Nwosu was attacked along S.M. Okeke Street, Amaikwo, while the second victim was shot along Capital City Road, Amaenyi, Awka.
The motive for the killings remains unknown, although eyewitnesses and residents suggested that the attacks could be linked to cult-related activities.
An eyewitness said about three gunmen travelling in a tinted vehicle trailed Nwosu from his residence before double-crossing his vehicle and shooting him.
The source said the attackers later drove away and shot another man by the roadside, dispossessing him of his belongings before fleeing the area.
“They fired some shots into the air before leaving the scene, creating panic in the area,” the eyewitness said.
Security operatives were subsequently deployed to the area and recovered the bodies of the victims.
Confirming the incident on Monday, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the command had launched an investigation and intensified efforts to arrest the suspects.
Ikenga said three unidentified persons travelling in a silver-coloured Toyota Corolla were believed to have carried out the attacks at the two locations.
He said the registration number of the vehicle had not been ascertained.
According to the police spokesperson, patrol teams were immediately mobilised after the command received information about the attacks.
“The victims were taken to a hospital, where they were subsequently confirmed dead by medical personnel,” he said.
Ikenga identified one of the victims as Isaac Nwosu, also known as “Azia”, while the identity of the second victim was yet to be established.
Police recovered ₦7,550, a Moniepoint ATM card and a pair of slippers from the scene.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnanna Ama, condemned the killings, describing them as unacceptable and a direct threat to peace and security in the state.
He ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka for a discreet and comprehensive investigation.
The police also intensified patrols, surveillance and intelligence gathering across Awka and neighbouring areas.
The command appealed to community leaders, residents, motorists, business owners and other members of the public with useful information about the suspects, their movements or the vehicle used in the attacks to come forward.
The police assured members of the public that information provided would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
The command said cooperation from residents remained crucial to apprehending the perpetrators and preventing further attacks.
