Fear and confusion gripped the Nawfia community in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State on Sunday after unknown gunmen opened fire near the Afor Market Junction, leaving several people feared dead.
Residents said the attack happened suddenly, causing people to run in different directions as gunshots rang out. According to eyewitnesses, the armed men stormed the busy market area and immediately began shooting at anyone in sight.
A resident who witnessed the incident said, “The gunmen invaded Afor Market Junction and started shooting nonstop. Many people were killed on the spot. No one knows why they carried out such a terrible attack. Our entire community is in shock.”
Others described the scene as “terrifying,” noting that some people were fatally shot while others managed to escape. Calls for a stronger security presence in the community have intensified since the attack.
An eyewitness near the area added, “It was chaos. The attackers appeared suddenly, like trained fighters, and opened fire randomly. People were running everywhere.”
Videos circulating on social media show residents fleeing as several bodies lay on the ground in pools of blood, further confirming the severity of the attack.
The President General of the Nawfia Progressive Union, Chief Daniel Okoye, confirmed the incident in a statement issued Sunday evening. He expressed deep sorrow over the attack and assured residents that security agencies had been contacted immediately.
Okoye said, “This evening, I received with great shock the tragic news of an attack at the Afor Market Junction in Nawfia. Unknown assailants carried out this senseless act, resulting in multiple casualties. I strongly condemn this violent attack and the attempt to destabilise our peaceful community.”
He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as investigations continue.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families affected,” he added. “We are committed to supporting all efforts aimed at protecting lives and restoring peace in Nawfia.”
Attempts to reach the Anambra State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, were unsuccessful. However, a police source confirmed anonymously that an investigation has begun.
“We are working to identify and arrest those responsible,” the source said. “We strongly condemn this attack and assure the public that we will do everything possible to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
Security operatives have since been deployed to the area as the community awaits updates on the investigation.
