Date: July 21, 2026
SUNTV Global Channel — Four herders from the same family have been killed after suspected gunmen attacked a cattle settlement in Ifite Awka Community, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed that the attackers stormed the camp, killed the victims, set residential huts on fire, and slaughtered several cattle before fleeing the scene.
Police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said a police-led Joint Security Team responded to the incident following a distress call and discovered the bodies of the four male victims.
According to him, preliminary findings showed that the victims had their hands tied and suffered multiple injuries, including machete cuts and blunt force trauma. Two huts in the settlement were also destroyed by fire during the attack.
Security operatives reportedly found four dead cows and two other cattle that had been slaughtered, with portions of the meat taken away by the attackers. Sacks containing abandoned chunks of meat were later recovered near the scene.
The police said the assailants were armed with sophisticated weapons, including AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, double-barrel guns, and machetes. One survivor escaped unharmed and is currently assisting investigators with information that may help identify those responsible.
The victims were identified by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) as Mohammed Bujumi, Hassan Bujumi, Abubakar Bujumi, and Sani Bujumi, all members of the same family. The attack was said to have occurred at the cattle camp of Alhaji Aminu Mohammed.
MACBAN condemned the killings and urged its members to remain calm and avoid reprisals while security agencies conduct a full investigation. The association also called on the Anambra State Government to strengthen security measures across the state to protect lives and property.
Police authorities have assured residents that investigations are ongoing and pledged to track down and prosecute the perpetrators.
The attack has heightened security concerns in and around Awka, the Anambra State capital, as authorities intensify efforts to restore confidence and prevent further violence.
