Gunshots were heard late Thursday night in the Oko community of Orumba North Local Government Area, Anambra State, after rival cult groups reportedly clashed near the Federal Polytechnic Oko.
The incident caused panic among residents as many fled for safety. Police confirmed that at least two people lost their lives during the attack.
However, eyewitnesses and local reports suggest that the number of those killed may be as high as five or more.
Videos shared on social media showed bodies lying on the ground with gunshot wounds.
Some accounts claimed at least seven people were dead.
During the violence, two lecturers from the Federal Polytechnic were kidnapped, according to a staff member who requested not to be named.
Another person, also a staff of the school, was shot and is now being treated at a nearby hospital.
The management of the institution responded by stating that the shootings happened outside the school premises, in the host community.
It confirmed that no students were affected and one of the abducted victims is a lecturer.
This deadly attack follows a similar cult clash in Nibo community in October 2024, where over ten people were killed.
The recent killings in Oko have raised fresh concerns as the state gets ready for its next governorship election.
The community is close to Isuofia, the hometown of the current governor, Charles Soludo.
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