Two dead after suspected cult attack in Oko Poly’s host community

Two people have been reported dead after an attack by alleged cultists in the Oko area of Anambra state. 

Oko is the host community of the Federal Polytechnic in Anambra.

Disturbing videos of lifeless bodies surfaced on Friday, with local accounts revealing that gunmen had attacked the community in the late hours of Thursday.

In a clip reportedly shared by a student, it was stated that gunmen came in two cars, shooting sporadically to scare residents away.

Another footage showed two people with injuries groaning and crying that they did not want to die.

A clip also captured an individual purported to be one of the gunmen barking orders at another to come down from their car.

There are also unconfirmed claims that the shooting broke out over a checkpoint mounted by the Udo Ga Achi security outfit.

It was said that the gunmen appeared to be disgruntled by the proximity of the checkpoints.

Tochukwu Ikenga, the Anambra state police spokesperson, said two people were killed in the attack while two others were abducted.

He added that one of the victims is receiving treatment at the hospital.

Ikenga said the state command has commenced investigations into the incident, “leveraging on necessary information from some eyewitnesses”.

The police PRO said the force is working alongside the joint security force, which consists of the army, navy, civil defence, and vigilante operatives.

“The Police Operatives led by the Area Commander Aguata, complemented by the Joint Security Force comprising the Army, Navy, Civil Defence and Vigilante Operatives have taken over the scene of an alleged cult related shooting by 8.40 pm on 19th June, 2025 at the Total Junction and Tipper junction all in Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area,” the statement reads in part.

“Two victims, including a lady who is currently receiving treatment in a hospital, were rescued. Sadly, the incident recorded the death of two persons and the alleged abduction of two others.

“An eyewitness account revealed that the armed criminals operating with a motorcycle and a black Lexus 350 SUV without a plate number, started shooting indiscriminately at the Total Junction.

“Four persons were allegedly wounded, including a lady who is currently receiving treatment at the hospital. The two others were allegedly abducted at the Tipper junction before they fled the scene.

“Meanwhile, the command has sued for calm as the operatives are already acting on some clues from the scene and leveraging on necessary information from some eyewitnesses for the possible arrest of the hoodlums.”