By Kamsi Anayo, Awka
Panic and fear Thursday gripped Awka, Anambra state capital, following a deadly shooting incident that is suspected to have left several people dead.
The tragic incident occurred around 9:15 a.m. at Ifite, behind the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and nearby Wintess Garden along Ifite Amansea Road.
Recounting how it happened, an eyewitnesses, confirmed that “Gunmen just shot a guy a few minutes ago at Ifite, Awka. He’s lying lifeless.”
It was gathered that residents and passersby scampered for safety to avoid being hit by bullets.
On his own part, another witness, a lecturer on his way to school, said he saw at least seven lifeless bodies and immediately turned back to avoid the violence.
Initial reports suggest that the attackers, believed to be armed men, opened fire sporadically, killing multiple people in the process.
Empty shells were also recovered from the scene, further confirmed the severity of the attack.
SP Tochukwu Ikenga, State Police Public Relations Officer confirmed the incident, and further revealed that a police team has swiftly responded and secured the area.
He assured the public that more details would be provided as investigations continue.
Gunmen appear to be laying siege Awka, as they have killed more than 20 persons on the Awka South Local Government Area of the state in less than a week.
On Oct. 16 alone more than 16 people were killed during a festival in Nibo, and on Thursday morning, eight individuals were killed in Ifite, also in Awka South, behind Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
