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 trending on social media reveal that the incident occurred when the suspected cultists stormed the scene and opened fire indiscriminately on mourners.
The video 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, 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 the police received a distress call on September 11, 2025, that armed men suspected to be cultists had invaded a burial ceremony at Ezi Village, Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area and opened fire on the attendees, resulting in the death of four persons, while 15 others sustained serious injuries.
Read also:
- Police arrest suspected cultist, armed robbers, recover guns, ammunition in Delta
- Edo anti-cultism war records more successes, 9 suspected cultists arrested
- Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad arrests 3 suspected cultists in Calabar, recover firearm
“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 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, 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,” he said.
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.
