Tragedy in Oko: Police Arrest One as Gunmen Kill Popular Bar Owner Near Federal Polytechnic in Suspected Cult Attack

 

Residents of Oko town in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State were thrown into chaos on Sunday night after a shocking attack claimed the life of a popular beer parlour operator. The victim, whose name has not yet been released, was fatally shot by armed assailants while heading to his place of business, situated directly opposite a well-known pizza joint near the Federal Polytechnic, Oko.

Eyewitness accounts detail a harrowing scene of violence and confusion as gunmen intercepted the victim’s vehicle along the route to his bar. Witnesses say the attackers appeared suddenly, cut off the victim’s car, and fired multiple shots before fleeing the scene, leaving the man slumped over in the driver's seat.

A source who was present near the area at the time recounted the chilling moment. “They came out of nowhere, blocked his car, and fired at him twice in the chest. It happened so fast. Before people could react, the attackers had vanished into the night,” the witness, who asked not to be named, told PUNCH Metro.

The horrifying aftermath drew a crowd of stunned bystanders. Among them was the victim’s brother, who arrived at the scene only to find his sibling’s lifeless body drenched in blood. In an emotionally charged moment captured in a video circulating online, the grieving brother entered the bullet-riddled car and drove it—with the body inside—to the nearest police station.

Police authorities have since confirmed the incident, attributing the attack to cult-related violence. Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said officers responded swiftly to the emergency, and one suspect was taken into custody shortly after.

“This was a cult-related killing,” Ikenga stated. “Thanks to the prompt response from our operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), we have arrested one suspect who is currently under interrogation.”

Law enforcement officials recovered both the body of the deceased and the vehicle used at the time of the attack. The body has since been deposited at the morgue as investigations continue. Ikenga assured the public that further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

The gruesome killing adds to growing concerns among Anambra residents about safety and crime in the region. While speculation initially leaned towards “unknown gunmen”—a term frequently used in recent times to describe unidentified criminal groups operating in southeastern Nigeria—Ikenga dismissed this label in the current case. He insisted that the perpetrators are known bad actors within the community.

“Let us be clear. These are not unknown gunmen. They are unrepentant criminals, many of whom have been on our radar for cult-related offenses,” Ikenga said. “We are working closely with community members who have shown commendable resolve in identifying and rooting out these individuals from among them.”

Efforts to bolster security across the state have reportedly intensified. The police command has launched enhanced patrols and increased surveillance in areas identified as hotspots. Authorities are urging members of the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement efforts by sharing any useful information that could aid in arresting other suspects connected to the attack.

To improve emergency response times, the police have also reminded the public of available communication channels. Citizens are encouraged to contact the Command Control Room on 07039194332 or the Police Public Relations Officer on 08039334002 when in need of urgent assistance. Additionally, residents can download the “NPF Rescue Me” app, which is available on both Android and iOS platforms, for quick access to emergency services.

As the community of Oko mourns the loss of a beloved local entrepreneur, calls are growing louder for sustained and strategic action to curb the rise of cult-related violence in Anambra. The tragic events of Sunday night have not only taken a life but also reignited urgent conversations about security, community policing, and justice.

The investigation into the attack continues, with authorities vowing to bring all those responsible to book.