Gunmen struck near Oko campus Thursday night, killing four students and injuring several others.
Police suspect cult-linked reprisal as terrified students call for stronger security measures.
A wave of fear and mourning has gripped Federal Polytechnic, Oko, in Anambra State, following a deadly shooting that claimed the lives of four students and left several others injured in what authorities suspect to be a cult-related attack.
The violence erupted late Thursday night near Total and Tipper Junctions, close to the institution’s main campus. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers, who arrived in a black Lexus SUV and on a motorcycle, opened fire on unsuspecting students, sending shockwaves through the community.
According to police reports, seven students were shot during the incident. Four were confirmed dead, while others sustained life-threatening injuries. A disturbing video that surfaced online showed two students a male and a female struggling for breath on a hospital bed, sparking an outpouring of grief and anger on social media platforms.
There were also rumors of abductions during the chaos, but some students present during the attack disputed those claims. Security operatives from the Anambra State Police Command and the Joint Security Task Force have since moved into the area to restore order. Two injured students have been rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment.
Confirming the attack, Police Public Relations Officer DSP Tochukwu Ikenga said initial findings point to a retaliatory strike linked to cult groups. “Our officers responded promptly and have secured the affected locations. We are actively tracking the suspects involved in this heinous crime and encourage the public to stay calm and report any suspicious activity,” Ikenga stated.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about the security situation in the state, particularly as Anambra prepares for its upcoming gubernatorial election scheduled for November 8, 2025. Despite the ongoing Operation Udo Ga Achi, a special security campaign launched to tackle criminal activity and restore peace, the recent killings highlight the continued threat posed by cult-related violence.
Students and residents of the area are now calling for increased security presence and urgent intervention by authorities to prevent further bloodshed. Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing as the police work to bring the perpetrators to justice.
