Suspected cultists in Anambra Statesoutheastern Nigeria, opened fire on mourners on Saturday while disrupting a funeral ceremony in the state.
The incident occurred in the Ebenebe community in the Awka North Local Government Area.
A source told the Nigerian News Agency (NAN) that the 34-year-old man whose funeral was taking place was killed in December, also by suspected cultists.
He was killed in the Amansea area of Awka North.
“It was during the wake at the deceased’s residence that the suspected cultists arrived at the scene and began shooting at mourners,” the source said.
He said some of the mourners hit by the gunfire were taken to the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital in Amaku, Awka.
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“My brother is among the injured and we have been in the hospital since 11 am trying to make sure he is stabilized,” he said.
Police spokesman in Anambra, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident.
Ikenga, deputy superintendent of police, told reporters that “a burial was taking place when some people suspected of being cultists invaded the area and started shooting.”
“I don’t have details of the victims now, but I’ll keep you updated once the picture clears up,” he said.
Ikenga said Anambra Police Commissioner Echeng Echeng had dispatched a tactical squad to the area to maintain peace and order.
(YAYA)