Gunmen Kill Four, Injure Seven in Suspected Cult Attack Near Federal Polytechnic, Oko
At least four persons believed to be students were killed and about seven others injured on Thursday night when unidentified gunmen opened fire in Oko community, near the Federal Polytechnic in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as the attackers, suspected to be cultists, unleashed gunfire without warning, sending residents and students fleeing for safety. Though locals report that four people were killed instantly and several more wounded, the Anambra State Police Command confirmed two deaths and said two individuals were abducted.
One resident who spoke on condition of anonymity said,
“The armed men stormed the area around the polytechnic late Thursday night and started shooting indiscriminately. Four students were killed on the spot, and several others are now battling for their lives in local hospitals.”
Disturbing videos circulating online show two victims — a male and a female — lying in pools of blood, struggling to breathe as emergency care is administered.
Police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident in a statement released Friday. He identified the attack as cult-related and assured that a joint security operation had been launched in response.
“The operatives led by the Aguata Area Commander, along with personnel from the Army, Navy, Civil Defence, and local vigilantes, have taken control of the area,” Ikenga said.
According to police, the attack occurred at two locations — Total Junction and Tipper Junction — both within Oko. Witnesses told officers that the gunmen arrived on motorcycles and in a black Lexus 350 SUV with no license plates, firing randomly at passersby.
Ikenga noted that two people were rescued alive, including a woman currently receiving medical care. Four others were reportedly injured, while two were abducted at Tipper Junction as the gunmen fled the scene.
“The Command is working on leads gathered at the scene and from eyewitnesses,” Ikenga said, urging the public to remain calm while investigations continue. “Further developments will be communicated.”
The attack has heightened fears among residents and students of the Federal Polytechnic, who are calling for greater security presence and swift justice for the victims.
