Four killed as suspected cultists open fire in Nawfia market, as Anambra CP condemns separate attack in Lilu

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By Sunny A. David, Awka

The Anambra State Police Command has released new details following a suspected cult-related attack that claimed four lives at Afor Nawfia Market along the Onitsha–Awka Old Road on the evening of December 7, 2025.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the incident occurred despite recent proactive measures by the Command to curb rising cult activities in Awka and neighboring communities.

Just four days earlier, operatives of the Special Anti-Cult Squad in Enugwu-Ukwu arrested two suspected cultists and recovered a firearm after receiving intelligence about an impending clash between rival groups.

The suspects are said to be cooperating with investigators and providing information to forestall further violence.

However, on December 7, members of the same gang allegedly stormed Afor Nawfia Market in a black Lexus SUV with an unidentified registration number and began shooting indiscriminately. The attack left four people fatally wounded before the assailants fled the scene.

Police officers arrived to discover that the attackers had already escaped, but preliminary findings from eyewitness accounts and evidence gathered at the location have given investigators significant leads. The Command says it is already acting on these leads to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.

The Police reiterated their commitment to combating cultism and violent crime in Anambra State and assured residents that additional updates will be provided as investigations continue.

The President General of the Nawfia Progressive Union, Chief Daniel Okoye, confirmed the attack in a statement, expressing deep shock over what he called a “senseless act of violence.”

He condemned the attempt to destabilize the community and said he had contacted relevant security agencies to commence investigations.

“I appeal to all Ndi Nawfia to remain calm, stay vigilant, and continue to cooperate with security operatives,” he added, extending sympathies to the affected families.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident earlier on Sunday, armed criminals attacked Lilu community in Ihiala LGA, killing one person, injuring several others, and partially burning a church building within the community.

The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, condemned the Lilu attack in a statement issued through SP Tochukwu Ikenga. He described the incident as “barbaric, heinous, and abominable,” noting that it targeted innocent worshippers and violated the state’s values of peace, sanctity of life, and freedom of worship.

The CP extended condolences to the affected families and vowed that the police would not relent until the perpetrators are apprehended. He said the Command had intensified intelligence-driven operations, deployed a Joint Security Team, and heightened surveillance across Ihiala and surrounding areas.

“No community should ever be subjected to such brutality,” he said, adding that the police will not allow criminals to instill fear or destabilize the state.

Residents were urged to remain calm and provide useful information that could aid ongoing investigations.
“The Command remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property across Ihiala and the entire State,” the statement emphasized.