Four people were confirmed dead on Sunday evening after unidentified gunmen stormed Afor Market along the Onitsha–Awka Old Road in Nawfia community, in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The confirmed fatalities followed a sudden attack by unknown assailants, who, according to a statement by the President General of the Nawfia Progressive Union, Mr Daniel Okoye, opened fire indiscriminately at the marketplace. He said that security agencies had been notified and investigations initiated.
Police identified the incident as a violent episode tied to rival cult‑group activity rather than a random act. According to the state police, the assailants arriving in a black Lexus Jeep carried out the attack despite intelligence‑led preventive efforts by the police’s Special Anti‑Cult Squad.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as the hoodlums opened fire, prompting traders and residents to flee. Police arrived on the scene only after the attackers had fled, but preliminary forensic and testimonial leads have reportedly been gathered.
Authorities have since launched a manhunt for the perpetrators. The police command has appealed to residents to remain calm, assist with information, and avoid panic while investigations continue.