By Ikeugonna Eleke
A shooting spree in Awka, Anambra State capital on Thursday morning claimed no less than seven lives, sources have hinted Fides. This comes four days after another deadly shooting claimed the lives of 12 people in Nibo, Awka South LGA of the state.
One of the sources, a student, said the Thursday shooting happened in Ifite Awka, at approximately 9:15 a.m., leaving several people dead.
Ifite Awka is dominated mostly by students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The source said the shooting may not be unconnected to cultism.
Another source said Thursday’s shooting happened close to the back gate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Unizik, Awka, not far away from Wintess Garden Hotel, Ifite, Amansea Road.
One of the sources said, ‘Gunmen just shot a guy a few minutes ago at Ifite, Awka. He’s lying lifeless.’
Another eyewitness, a lecturer, said she witnessed seven lifeless bodies in the area and was forced to abandon going for lectures and turned back while en route to school.
It is however not clear the actual number of victims involved in the shooting, but the State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, who failed to confirm the incident, rather said a police responding team had taken over the scene and that further details would be communicated shortly.
In another press statement, Ikenga said the Command had intercepted some videos and voice notes of persons who planned to unleash violence on Awka and was working to ensure that it was thwarted.
He said: ‘Anambra State Police Command begins investigation on some intercepted videos and voice notes on social media space threatening violence in the state.
‘The Police Command, not taking those clips for granted, and saddled with the responsibility of maintaining law and order, shall live up to its mandate of ensuring that no person or group of persons is allowed to infringe on the fundamental human rights of others.
‘Given the above, police and other security forces have intensified patrols, and improved security dominance and surveillance to enforce the law, maintain public order, public safety and other support services in the state..
