Gunmen, believed to be members of rival cult groups, have killed four mourners and injured around 15 others during a burial ceremony in Ezi village, Ogidi community, Idemili North LGA, Anambra State.
The attack occurred on Thursday night during the wake for an 18-year-old boy.
According to sources, friends of the deceased had gathered to honor him with a night wake, engaging in drinking and smoking when armed men suddenly opened fire. “The community suspects that the deceased was a cult member, and rival members targeted the ceremony knowing his associates would be present and vulnerable,” the source said.
Four victims were killed instantly, while approximately 15 others sustained bullet wounds and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that 16 expended cartridges were recovered at the scene. The police were alerted late on September 11, 2025, and operatives from Ogidi Division promptly responded, restoring order and evacuating the injured.
“The Command has launched a discreet investigation to identify and apprehend the perpetrators,” Ikenga added, noting that preliminary findings indicate the attack stemmed from a clash between rival cult factions.
