Shock and grief have gripped Ogidi community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State following the killing of its President-General, Sir Ikwuka Okoye, popularly known as Anumili, by yet-to-be-identified gunmen.
The tragic incident occurred late on Friday evening at the School Field in Ogidi, where the respected community leader was shot dead alongside another man whose identity has not yet been officially confirmed. The second victim was said to be a relative of the deceased.
Residents said the attackers were suspected to be cultists who invaded the area and opened fire before fleeing the scene. The killing has sparked fear, anger and condemnation across the community, with many residents describing it as a dark day for Ogidi.
According to information gathered, the attack was allegedly carried out in retaliation for the recent arrest and killing of a notorious cult leader in the community by local security operatives. Sources said the gunmen believed to belong to a rival cult group carried out the attack as an act of revenge.
An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attackers arrived suddenly and shot the victims at close range.
“Daredevil gunmen invaded our community last night,” the source said. “By the time they were done, the town’s President-General, Sir Ikwuka Okoye, and another victim who happened to be his relative were lying dead on the ground.
“The incident happened at the School Field, Ogidi. The President-General and his relation from the same village, who was with him at the time, were shot dead by gunmen suspected to be cultists.”
Residents said the sound of gunshots caused panic, forcing people nearby to run for safety. Shops were hurriedly closed, while many families locked themselves indoors for fear of further attacks.
The killing of the President-General has drawn widespread condemnation from community leaders, youth groups and residents, who described the late Sir Okoye as a peaceful, committed and duly elected leader.
Many said he was known for his efforts to promote unity, development and security in Ogidi, adding that his death was not only a loss to his family but to the entire community.
Confirming the incident, the spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the command regretted the killing and had launched a full investigation into the matter.
“The Anambra State Police Command regrets the murder of the President-General of the Ogidi community and one other person,” Ikenga said in a statement issued on Saturday.
“The incident, which occurred on the evening of February 6, 2026, at the School Field, Ogidi, is allegedly linked to the recent capture and killing of a known notorious cultist within the community.”
He said police operatives swiftly moved to the scene after receiving the report and have since begun investigations.
“Following the report, police operatives swiftly took over the scene of the incident and commenced investigations. The command is currently working with eyewitness accounts and other available intelligence to identify and arrest the perpetrators,” he added.
Ikenga assured residents that the police were intensifying efforts to track down those responsible for the killings and bring them to justice.
“The Anambra State Police Command assures members of the public that all efforts are being intensified to bring those responsible to justice. Residents are urged to remain calm and cooperate with the police as investigations continue,” he said.
The police spokesman also said further updates would be communicated as investigations progress.
The killing has once again drawn attention to the issue of cult-related violence in parts of Anambra State and other areas in the South-East. In recent years, security agencies have battled to contain cult activities, especially among rival groups involved in violent clashes, revenge attacks and illegal activities.
Cult-related violence has often led to loss of lives, destruction of property and fear in communities. Many residents have repeatedly called on the government and security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and community policing to prevent such attacks.
Ogidi community, located in Idemili North Local Government Area, is known for its rich cultural heritage and close-knit population. The area has produced several notable figures and has traditionally enjoyed relative peace.
However, residents say the recent wave of cult-related tensions has raised concerns about safety, especially for community leaders and youths.
Some community members said the killing of a sitting President-General was unprecedented and called for urgent action to restore peace.
“This is a very painful loss for us,” a resident said. “Our President-General was elected by the people and was working for the progress of the town. Killing him in this manner is unacceptable.”
Others urged the state government to increase security presence in the area to prevent further attacks and reassure residents.
Anambra State has in recent years stepped up efforts to combat insecurity through joint operations involving the police, military and local security outfits. These efforts have led to the arrest and neutralisation of several criminal elements, including kidnappers and cultists.
However, security experts warn that retaliatory attacks often follow such operations, making sustained vigilance and community cooperation necessary.
As the investigation continues, residents of Ogidi have been advised to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands. Community leaders have also appealed for peace, urging youths to shun violence and allow security agencies to carry out their duties.
For now, Ogidi remains in mourning as preparations begin for the burial of the slain community leader. Flags were said to be flying at half-mast in some parts of the town, while meetings were held to discuss security and next steps.
The killing of Sir Ikwuka Okoye has left a deep scar on the community and raised fresh questions about the safety of local leaders in the face of rising criminal activities.
