An undisclosed number of persons were Sunday evening gunned down by unknown persons wielding assault rifles and other dangerous weapons during an attack near the Afor Market of the Nawfia community in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Though the details are sketchy, but a source said the gunmen just arrived the Afor Market junction and opened fire, killing a lot of people.
Meanwhile, the President General of Nawfia Progressive Union, Chief Daniel Okoye in a short press statement confirmed it.
He said: “This evening, I received with deep shock the tragic news of an attack at the Afor Market Junction in Nawfia Community. The incident resulted in multiple casualties, caused by unknown assailants who carried out this senseless act of violence.
“I strongly condemn this heartbreaking incident and the attempt to disrupt the peace of our beloved community. I have already contacted the relevant security agencies, and investigations are underway to uncover those responsible.
“I appeal to all Ndi Nawfia to remain calm, stay vigilant, and continue to cooperate with security operatives as they work tirelessly to restore normalcy and ensure our safety.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families affected. On behalf of the Nawfia Progressive Union, I extend our deepest sympathies and assure you that we are fully committed to supporting efforts aimed at protecting lives and maintaining peace in Nawfia.”
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command has provided a comprehensive update on the deadly attack, which it said was cult-related.
This clarification was contained in a press statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Ikenga Tochukwu.
The Police Spokesman recalled that operatives of the Command attached to the Special Anti-Cult Squad, Enugwu-Ukwu, had earlier acted on credible intelligence on a planned rival cult confrontation and successfully arrested two dangerous suspects four days before the attack, recovering a firearm from them.
According to him, the suspects have since been assisting the Police with valuable information aimed at preventing further cult-related violence within Awka and its environs.
He said, however, despite these proactive efforts by the Police Command, some remaining members of the same cult gang, on the evening of December 7, 2025, allegedly stormed Afor Nawfia Market in a black Lexus Jeep with registration number yet unknown and opened fire indiscriminately.
The sudden and violent attack, according to the press statement, resulted in the fatal injury of four persons, while the assailants fled the scene immediately after the attack.
Although the hoodlums escaped before the arrival of police operatives, the PPRO noted that preliminary information obtained at the scene has provided useful investigative leads, which the Command is already acting upon to ensure the perpetrators are tracked down and arrested.
He further emphasized that the Anambra State Police Command remains resolute in its determination to rid the State of cultism, violent crime, and all forms of criminality; even as he assured further updates on the matter as the investigation progresses.
