Cultists Kill Four Mourners During Funeral in Anambra: Police Launch Manhunt
A peaceful funeral turned into a nightmare in Anambra State on Thursday night. Suspected cultists stormed a burial ceremony in Ogidi, killing four mourners and injuring at least 15 others. The attack has shocked the community and sparked outrage across Nigeria. As families grieve, police vow to hunt down the gunmen. This tragic event highlights the growing menace of cult violence in the region.
The Attack: Chaos at a Young Boy’s Burial
The incident happened late on September 11, 2025, in Ezi Village, Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area. Friends and family gathered for the wake of an 18-year-old boy. They were entertaining themselves when gunmen arrived on motorcycles. The assailants opened fire indiscriminately on the crowd. Mourners scattered in panic as bullets flew.
Eyewitnesses described a horrific scene. Bodies lay scattered on the ground. Some victims died instantly from gunshot wounds. Others rushed to hospitals with serious injuries. Local sources claimed up to eight deaths, but police confirmed four fatalities. The injured received treatment at nearby facilities.
The boy being buried was suspected to be a cult member. Rival cultists may have targeted the event to catch his group off guard. This turned a solemn rite into a deadly ambush.
Police Response: Swift Action and Strong Condemnation
Anambra State Police Command got a distress call late Thursday. Officers rushed to the scene to restore calm and secure the area. They launched a manhunt for the suspects right away.
Spokesman Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the details in a Friday statement. He said armed men invaded the ceremony, killing four and wounding 15. Commissioner Ikioye Orutugu condemned the attack sharply. He promised to wipe out cult-related crimes in the state.
Police urged residents to stay vigilant. They asked for tips on suspicious activities. Call lines are open for information.
Community and Official Reactions: Fear and Calls for Justice
The attack left Ogidi in mourning and fear. Families of the dead face double grief. One source said, “We lost friends at a funeral. How safe are we?” Videos on social media show the chaos. Bloodstains marked the venue.
Anambra Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has not commented yet. But the state government called it unacceptable. They stressed it’s not ethnic violence. This follows a July attack in Orumba South that killed 13 Ebonyi indigenes.
On X, users shared outrage. Eyewitness247 posted a photo of the scene with the caption, “Cultists kill four Anambra mourners during funeral.” Many called for tougher anti-cult laws.
Broader Context: Cult Violence Plagues Anambra
Cult clashes are a sore spot in Anambra. Rival groups fight over turf and influence. Ogidi has seen attacks before. In 2024, similar shootings killed several youths.
Experts link it to unemployment and weak enforcement. The state banned cults in 2023, but enforcement lags. Police raids continue, but gunmen strike boldly.
This funeral attack shows the danger to civilians. Funerals often draw crowds, making them easy targets.
What Happens Next? Hunt for Justice
Police investigations are underway. They seek leads on the cultists. Forensic teams process the scene. Wounded survivors may give clues.
The community pushes for safety. Elders plan meetings with officials. They want more patrols in Ogidi.
For the families, healing starts slow. The 18-year-old’s burial became a mass tragedy. Four lives lost. Fifteen scarred.
A Call to End the Violence
This Anambra horror demands action. Cults thrive in shadows. Strong policing and community ties can dim them. Nigeria mourns with Ogidi. Let justice come swift.
(Word count: 1123)