Nibo Gunmen Attack: Soludo visits community

Survivors of Nibo attack recount their experience

The Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, on October 21, 2024, paid a visit to Nibo community in Awka South Local Government Area following the killings in the community which left about 12 persons dead.

According to reports, Professor Soludo expressed his sympathies to the community and families for the tragic deaths in the alleged cult killings.

He promised to bring those responsible for the heinous conduct to justice.

The governor stressed that the offenders will be taken out for punishment regardless of where they hide.

He reiterated his determination to eradicate cultism in Anambra.

As part of his regular oversight of state operations, Soludo also paid a visit to Eke Nibo Market.

He gave the populace assurances about their security and overall welfare.

He urged the populace to carry out their legal responsibilities.

Survivors of Nibo attack recount their experience

The terrifying experiences of survivors of the alleged rival cult attack that resulted in the murders on October 20, 2024, were relayed.

The survivors credited divine intervention for their survival.

The commander of the community’s vigilante organization and security director, identified as Wadada, expressed sadness over the violent turn of the yearly festival, which is a valued tradition for Nibo inhabitants.

He recounted: “The attackers entered Nibo through Amawbia during our Ọnwa Asaa festival, marking our new yam celebration.

“They arrived in two vehicles, a Lexus Jeep and a Sienna, both without license plates.

“Passing through police checkpoints and the Governor’s Lodge, they opened fire on a group of people in a shop.

“One of my vigilante men, Mr. Uchenna Obiekwe, an only son who was unmarried, was killed”, he stated.

According to Wadada, a number of other people were hurt, including the store owner and his daughter, age six, who were shot in the legs.

He said he was not sure who the attackers were, whether they were armed robbers, unidentified gunmen, or cultists.

He said: “It was by God’s grace I left the scene before they arrived,” as he reflected on his tight escape.

Anambra State Ministry of Information employee Ichie Oku, another survivor of the Nibo attack, talked about his near-death experience.

He said: “You should thank God for sparing my life.

“I was at a joint on Sunday when they arrived.

“One of them pointed a gun at me, but another gang member told him I wasn’t their target.

“Despite this, he still pulled the trigger, but his colleague pushed him at that moment, causing the bullets to hit the wall behind me.”

Oku described in agony how three persons were slaughtered right next to him.

Five additional persons were shot by the perpetrators when they returned a short while later.

This was prior to their subsequent movement to Eke Nibo, when they reportedly killed 4 more people, increasing the total number of fatalities to 12.

“It all happened in less than five minutes.

“If not for God, I would have been the 13th victim,” he said.

He mourned the loss of two family members, whom he planned to bury the following day.

The usually busy metropolis of Awka was strangely silent after the Nibo attack, which intensified the impact of the Monday sit-at-home order.

There were reportedly no commercial activities going on.

More about Nibo and its festivals

The Nigerian settlement of Nibo is located in Awka South L. G. A., Anambra State.

According to seniority, the town is composed of four principal villages: Ezeawulu, Umuanum, Ifite, and Ezeoye.

Cooperative men and women make up the Nibo community, which collaborates for the town’s growth.

Among the many traditional celebrations in Nibo are Onwa Asa (New Yam festival), Onwa Asato, and Nibo Carnival.

This highlights new customs and features both domestic and foreign artists, musicians, pageants, and athletes.

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