Gunmen suspected of being cultists attacked a burial ceremony in Ezi Village, Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, on Thursday, killing four people and injuring approximately 15 others.
According to eyewitnesses, the Gunmen, who are believed to be from a rival cult group, invaded the location on motorcycles while family members were executing burial rites.
“They opened fire on mourners, sending others scrambling for cover before fleeing the area.
“The assailants suddenly invaded the scene of the burial on Thursday and opened fire at the gathering, targeting some people who were present.
“The family members of the deceased and other mourners were performing the burial rites in the compound when they arrived at the scene and shot at the mourners, while others scampered to safety.
“They came in on some motorcycles and, after carrying out their deadly mission, immediately left the scene,” an indigene who was near the scene, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, stated.
Tochukwu Ikenga, spokesman for the state police command, confirmed the the attack by the gunmen in a statement on Friday. He said operatives from Ogidi Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, responded swiftly, restored normalcy, and transferred the injured to hospitals.
He said, “Following a distress call in the late hours of September 11, 2025, 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 15 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 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.”
According to him, Ikioye Orutugu, the state’s Commissioner of Police, has severely condemned the tragedy and assured people that the command is committed to ridding the state of cult-related violence and other criminal activities.
“The Command urges members of the public to remain calm and security-conscious and to continue to provide useful information by reporting suspicious movements or persons to the nearest police formation.
“Further developments will be communicated in due course,” the statement added.
This latest incident occurs months after seven persons, including five police officers, were killed in January when gunmen stormed a compound in Ihiala LGA while preparing for another funeral.
According to reports, the family members in the complex were preparing for a burial service slated for January 2, 2025, when the hoodlums unexpectedly attacked the area and began firing haphazardly, killing the victims.
The terrorists were said to have opened fire on the crowd, targeting security personnel stationed near the local government buildings as they fled.
