Popular Anambra comedian shot dead in Awka

A popular Anambra comedian and media personality, Isaac Nwosu, popularly known as Aiza Nwosu, has been killed in a shooting attack in Awka, the state capital.

Nwosu was one of two people reportedly killed by the same group of gunmen at different locations in the city on Sunday night.

The comedian was attacked along S.M. Okeke Street in the Amaikwo area, while the second victim, whose identity had yet to be established, was shot along Capital City Road, Amaenyi.

Residents reportedly fled the areas as gunshots rang out, while security operatives moved in shortly after the attacks.

An eyewitness said the attackers, believed to be about three men travelling in a tinted vehicle, allegedly followed Nwosu from his residence before blocking his vehicle and opening fire.

The witness said the comedian was left dead inside his vehicle, adding that the assailants subsequently drove to another location where they shot a man by the roadside and allegedly took his belongings.

The circumstances surrounding the killings remained unclear, although some residents linked the attacks to suspected cult-related violence. Police have not established the motive.

Videos circulated online after the incident showed the victims lying at separate locations as residents gathered around the scenes.

Confirming the killings on Monday, Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said three unidentified persons travelling in a silver Toyota Corolla were suspected to have carried out the attacks.

He said police patrol teams were immediately deployed after receiving reports of the shootings and recovered the bodies from the two locations.

Ikenga identified one of the deceased as Isaac Nwosu, while efforts were ongoing to establish the identity of the second victim.

Police said the bodies were taken to a hospital, where they were certified dead by medical personnel.

Items recovered from the scene included N7,550, a Moniepoint ATM card and a pair of slippers.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Ama, ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka for a detailed investigation.

The command has also intensified patrols, surveillance and intelligence gathering across Awka and neighbouring areas as security operatives search for the attackers.

Ama condemned the killings and urged residents, community leaders, motorists and business owners to provide any information that could help identify the suspects or trace the vehicle used in the attacks.

The police assured members of the public that information provided would be treated confidentially and appealed for greater cooperation to prevent further violence in the state.