Tragedy struck in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Thursday night as gunmen opened fire during a burial wake, leaving four people dead and 15 others injured.

The attack happened at Ezi village, where friends and relatives had gathered for the wake of an 18-year-old boy scheduled to be buried the following day. According to community sources, the attackers, suspected to be cultists, stormed the event while mourners were drinking and socializing.

Witnesses believe the shooting was linked to cult rivalry, as the deceased was alleged to have been involved in cult activities, making the gathering a target for rival members.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said officers swiftly responded to a distress call, restored calm, and moved the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment. He added that 16 expended cartridges were recovered from the scene.

Ikenga noted that a discreet investigation has begun to track down the perpetrators, stressing that preliminary findings point to a clash between rival cult groups.

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The State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, condemned the violence and assured residents that the Command is determined to rid Anambra of cult-related crimes. He also urged the public to remain calm, vigilant, and to report suspicious movements to security agencies.

This latest attack adds to the growing concern over cult-related violence in Anambra communities, where innocent lives are often caught in the crossfire.