A late-evening attack at Afor Market Junction in Nawfia, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, left multiple persons dead on Sunday after gunmen opened fire on residents and traders in a sudden burst of violence that sent shockwaves through the community.
Witnesses said the attackers stormed the busy market area and began shooting indiscriminately, leaving several victims with fatal gunshot injuries while others fled in panic.
A resident, describing the terrifying scene, said: “The armed hoodlums invaded Afor Market Junction and immediately opened fire, killing many people. Nobody knows the reason behind the attack; it has left our community shaken.”
Another eyewitness added: “It was chaos. The attackers came out of nowhere in a commando-like fashion and started shooting indiscriminately.”
Video footage circulating online captured terrified residents running for safety as some victims were seen lying motionless in pools of blood.
Confirming the incident, the President General of the Nawfia Progressive Union, Chief Daniel Okoye, expressed deep sorrow over the killings and called for calm.
“This evening, I received with deep shock the tragic news of an attack at Afor Market Junction in Nawfia community. The incident resulted in multiple casualties caused by unknown assailants,” he said.
“I strongly condemn this senseless act and the attempt to disrupt the peace of our community. I have contacted the relevant security agencies, and investigations are ongoing.”
Okoye urged residents to stay calm and cooperate with security agencies:
“I urge all Ndi Nawfia to remain vigilant and cooperate with security operatives as they work to restore normalcy. My thoughts and prayers are with the affected families, and we remain committed to protecting lives and maintaining peace in Nawfia.”
Reacting to the incident, the Anambra State Police Command provided further details, describing the attack as part of a cult-related confrontation.
According to Police Public Relations Officer SP Ikenga Tochukwu, the incident occurred on December 7, 2025, along the Onitsha–Awka Old Road.
He recalled that operatives of the Special Anti-Cult Squad in Enugwu-Ukwu had, just four days earlier, arrested two suspected cult members and recovered a firearm based on intelligence about a looming rival clash.
Despite that intervention, Tochukwu said some members of the group resurfaced on Sunday night.
“Some members of the same gang, operating in a black Lexus Jeep with registration number yet unknown, stormed Afor Nawfia Market and opened fire indiscriminately. The violent attack resulted in the fatal injury of four persons, after which the assailants fled the scene,” he said.
Although the attackers escaped before police arrived, Tochukwu said preliminary findings provided “useful leads,” and the Command is already acting on them to track and arrest the perpetrators.
He reassured residents of the Command’s determination to curb cultism and violent crime in the state.
“The Anambra State Police Command remains resolute in its determination to rid the State of cultism, violent crime, and all forms of criminality. Further developments will be communicated as investigations progress,” Tochukwu added.
