‎On Thursday night, gunmen suspected to be cultists allegedly attacked a burial ceremony in Ezi Village, Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, killing four persons and injuring about 15 others.

‎According the report of eyewitnesses, the assailants stormed the venue on motorcycles while family members were performing the burial rites.

‎Believed to be from a rival cult group, the gunmen were said to have opened fire on mourners, sending others scampering for safety before fleeing the scene.

‎“The assailants suddenly invaded the scene of the burial on Thursday and opened fire at the gathering, targeting some people who were present.

‎“The family members of the deceased and other mourners were performing the burial rites in the compound, when they arrived at the scene and shot at the mourners, while others scampered to safety.

‎“They came in some motorcycles and after carrying out their deadly mission, immediately left the scene,” an indigene who pleaded anonymity said.

‎The spokesman for the state police command, Tochukwu Ikenga who Confirmed the incident in a statement on Friday said operatives from Ogidi Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, quickly responded, restored normalcy, and evacuated the victims to hospitals.

‎According to him, the Command has commenced a discreet investigation to identify, trace, and arrest the perpetrators.

‎He added that preliminary findings suggested that the incident is connected to a clash between rival cult groups.

‎He said, “Following a distress call in the late hours of September 11, 2025, that armed men suspected to be cultists invaded a burial ceremony at Ezi Village, Ogidi, Idemili North LGA, and opened fire on the attendees, resulting in the death of four persons while 15 others sustained serious injuries.

‎“Police operatives from Ogidi Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, swiftly mobilised to the scene, restored normalcy, and immediately evacuated the victims to hospitals for medical attention. In the course of the operation, 16 expended cartridges were recovered as exhibits.

‎“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.”

‎Ikenga further added that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ikioye Orutugu, strongly condemned the incident and assured residents of the command’s resolve to rid the state of cult-related violence and other criminal activities.

‎“The Command urges members of the public to remain calm, security-conscious, and to continue to provide useful information by reporting suspicious movements or persons to the nearest Police formation.

‎“Further developments will be communicated in due course,” the statement added.