Gunmen suspected to be members of a cult group launched an attack on a burial ceremony in Ezi Village, Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Thursday night, leaving four people dead and about 15 others injured.
According to eyewitnesses, the attackers, believed to be from a rival cult, stormed the venue on motorcycles while the family was performing burial rites. They opened fire on mourners, forcing many to run for safety before escaping from the scene.
An indigene who witnessed the attack but declined to be named said, “The assailants suddenly invaded the scene of the burial on Thursday and opened fire at the gathering, targeting some people who were present.
“The family members of the deceased and other mourners were performing the burial rites in the compound, when they arrived at the scene and shot at the mourners, while others scampered to safety.
“They came in some motorcycles and after carrying out their deadly mission, immediately left the scene.”
In a statement on Friday, the spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, noting that officers from Ogidi Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, quickly responded to restore order and moved the victims to hospitals.
Ikenga added that a discreet investigation has begun to identify and apprehend the suspects, while preliminary findings indicate the incident was linked to a clash between rival cult groups.
He said, “Following a distress call in the late hours of September 11, 2025, that armed men suspected to be cultists invaded a burial ceremony at Ezi Village, Ogidi, Idemili North LGA, and opened fire on the attendees, resulting in the death of four persons while 15 others sustained serious injuries.
“Police operatives from Ogidi Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, swiftly mobilised to the scene, restored normalcy, and immediately evacuated the victims to hospitals for medical attention. In the course of the operation, 16 expended cartridges were recovered as exhibits.
“The Command has since launched a discreet investigation to identify, trace, and arrest the perpetrators, as preliminary findings suggest that the incident is connected to a clash between rival cult groups.”
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ikioye Orutugu, has condemned the killings, assuring residents that the command remains committed to eradicating cult-related violence and other crimes.
The statement added, “The Command urges members of the public to remain calm, security-conscious, and to continue to provide useful information by reporting suspicious movements or persons to the nearest Police formation.
“Further developments will be communicated in due course.”
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