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The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed that four persons were killed while about 15 others sustained injuries when gunmen attacked a burial ceremony in Ogidi community, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.
A trending video on social media captured some of the injured victims receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.
It was gathered that the gunmen stormed Ezi Village, Ogidi, on Thursday evening and opened fire on unsuspecting mourners, turning the solemn event into a bloodbath.
Anambra State Police Spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed that the incident was linked to a clash between rival cult groups. He added that detectives had been deployed to identify and arrest the perpetrators.
Ikenga also appealed to members of the public to assist the police with credible information on the identity of the gunmen.
Ikenga 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 mobilised 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.”
He added that the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, strongly condemned the attack, describing it as “senseless and unacceptable”.
He assured residents that the command remained resolute in its commitment to rid the state of cult-related violence and other criminal activities.
“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”, he added.
