Gunmen Unleash Chaos in Oko: Four Feared Dead, Others Abducted in Suspected Cult Attack Near Polytechnic [UPDATE]

 

Oko, a once-tranquil academic town in Anambra State, descended into panic and bloodshed on Thursday night following a violent attack believed to be the handiwork of rival cult groups. The horrific incident occurred near the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, in Orumba North Local Government Area, leaving multiple victims dead, others abducted, and many wounded.

Chaos broke out at approximately 8:40pm when suspected cultists, armed and riding a motorcycle and a black Lexus 350 SUV without license plates, stormed the bustling Total Junction. Eyewitnesses described the terrifying moment gunfire rang through the air, sending residents, students, and business operators fleeing for cover. The attack did not end there. Minutes later, another round of violence was unleashed at Tipper Junction, deepening the trail of carnage.

Preliminary reports confirm that two people were killed on the spot, with unverified local accounts suggesting that as many as four persons may have died from the assault. Security operatives who swiftly responded to the distress calls rescued two individuals, including a young woman currently hospitalized with gunshot wounds. Several others reportedly suffered varying degrees of injuries, with at least seven people receiving emergency treatment at local medical facilities.

The Police Public Relations Officer for Anambra State, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, issued a statement on Friday confirming the incident and labeling it a cult-related attack. He stated that security agencies, including the Army, Navy, Civil Defence, and local vigilantes, had been deployed to the troubled areas. The joint task force is said to have taken full control of the scene and is actively pursuing leads based on eyewitness testimonies.

According to Ikenga, the gunmen began their operation at Total Junction, where they fired shots indiscriminately into the crowd. They then moved swiftly to Tipper Junction, where two individuals were allegedly abducted. Both junctions are vital areas within the Oko community, known for their dense student population and vibrant commercial activity.

Several residents recounted the horror they experienced. One student, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “It was sudden. People were chatting and hanging out as usual when the shots started. I saw people falling, screaming. We had to run through narrow alleys to avoid being hit.”

Another eyewitness claimed the attackers seemed to target specific individuals, suggesting that this was not a random act of violence. “They knew who they were looking for. After the first shots, they moved straight to another group and dragged two boys into their vehicle,” the source alleged.

A video circulating online, reportedly taken minutes after the shooting, showed a male and female lying in pools of blood, visibly struggling for life. The footage has only intensified calls for swift justice and increased security in the area.

Local sources insist the casualty figures are higher than what police have so far confirmed. One resident stated, “We counted four bodies before the police arrived. Students are scared to return to their hostels. The area has become too dangerous.”

The motive behind the attack is still under investigation, though law enforcement authorities and residents alike strongly suspect cult rivalry. Cult-related violence has been a recurring concern in several tertiary institutions across southeastern Nigeria, often flaring up with deadly consequences.

Amid growing fear and tension, the Anambra State Police Command has urged residents to stay calm and cooperate with investigators. “Our operatives are combing the area for clues and have begun following actionable intelligence to track down those responsible,” SP Ikenga said.

Local leaders and student unions have also called on the state government to intervene. They are demanding stronger campus security measures, including increased surveillance, curfews, and community policing efforts.

As Oko reels from this devastating incident, many are left grappling with questions about safety in a town meant to foster learning and growth. The memories of gunfire, death, and chaos are still fresh, and the community anxiously awaits the apprehension of those behind the attack.

Further updates are expected as investigations continue and more information becomes available from security operatives on the ground.