From CHARLES ONYEKWERE, AWKA
It was a horrific movie-like scenario at Ezi village in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, when suspected cultists stormed a burial ceremony on Thursday, opened fire and killed four persons, while leaving no fewer than 15 others with varying degrees of injury.
Reports and videos making the rounds on social media revealed that the incident occurred when the suspected cultists stormed the scene and opened fire indiscriminately on mourners.
The clips show some of the victims battling for their lives at an undisclosed hospital where they were taken for treatment.
Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the Command has since launched a discreet investigation to identify, trace and arrest the perpetrators.
According to him, preliminary findings suggested that the incident was not unconnected 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 fifteen others sustained serious injuries.
“Police operatives from Ogidi Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, swiftly mobilized to the scene, restored normalcy, and immediately evacuated the victims to hospitals for medical attention.
“In the course of the operation, 16 (sixteen) 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, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has strongly condemned the incident and assures residents that the Command remains resolute in its commitment to rid the State of cult-related violence and other criminal activities.”
The command, however, urged members of the public to remain calm, security-conscious, and continue providing useful information by reporting suspicious movements or persons to the nearest Police formation.
