At least four people were killed and seven others injured late Thursday when unidentified gunmen opened fire in Oko community, near the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers stormed the community around 8:40pm, firing indiscriminately near the Total Junction and Tipper Junction, areas close to the school. Many residents believe the attack may be cult related, though police investigations are ongoing.
Local sources said four students were shot dead, and about seven others were critically injured and rushed to nearby hospitals. Two other persons were reportedly abducted.
A disturbing video circulating on social media shows two students, a male and a female, lying in pools of blood and struggling to breathe, reportedly at a hospital.
The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the incident but gave a lower casualty figure. According to police spokesman SP Tochukwu Ikenga, two persons died in the attack, while two others were abducted.
He said the attack appeared to be cult related and that security operatives, including the police, Army, Navy, Civil Defence and local vigilantes, had taken control of the area.
“The armed criminals, operating with a motorcycle and a black Lexus SUV without number plates, started shooting indiscriminately,” Ikenga said in a statement.
He added that the Command is working on leads from eyewitnesses and has urged residents to remain calm as investigations continue.
