The Anambra police command says four people were killed in an attack by gunmen during a burial ceremony in Ogidi community, Idemili north local government area of the state.
A video circulating online showed some of the injured receiving treatment at a hospital after the gunmen stormed the ceremony at Ezi village on Thursday and opened fire on mourners.
SP Tochukwu Ikenga, spokesperson of the police command, said preliminary findings suggest the attack was linked to a clash between rival cult groups.
Ikenga said police officers from Ogidi division, led by the divisional police officer, responded swiftly, restored order and moved victims to hospitals.
He said 16 expended cartridges were recovered at the scene.
“The command has since launched a discreet investigation to identify, trace, and arrest the perpetrators, as preliminary findings suggest that the incident is connected to a clash between rival cult groups,” he said in a statement.
Ikioye Orutugu, Anambra commissioner of police, condemned the attack and assured residents that the command would intensify efforts to rid the state of cult-related violence and other crimes.
The police urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and report suspicious movements or persons to the nearest police formation.
