The leadership of Nawfia community in Njikoka Local Government Area, Anambra State, has announced the suspension of the prominent Igbo cultural festival, “Igu Aro,” due to escalating gunmen attacks.
In a statement released on Friday, the traditional ruler of Nawfia, Igwe Daniel Obelle, said the decision aims to safeguard lives as “perpetrators of these evil acts are still devising further measures to inflict pain on innocent residents of the town.”
The suspension follows extensive consultations among key stakeholders and the traditional council of the Nawfia kingdom.
Igwe Obelle revealed that the decision comes after a series of violent incidents between September 9, 2025, and December 7, 2025, which culminated in the deaths of four young men.
“Following the tragic killings, the Igwe-in-Council and the entire people of Nawfia have decided to suspend this year’s Igu Aro festival, originally scheduled for January 2, 2026, to mourn our brothers and protect the lives and properties of all residents, regardless of tribe, ethnicity, or religion,” Obelle stated.
He expressed concern over the continued insecurity in the town, noting that no arrests have yet been made.
“Nawfia people, both at home and abroad, are very saddened by these events. We have endured these attacks since September 2024, and efforts are ongoing to restore confidence among our residents,” the monarch said.
Igwe Obelle assured that the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) are working to apprehend the attackers.
He also called for reforms in state security agencies, including Agunechemba and Udogachi, emphasizing the need for qualified personnel, proper training, adequate equipment, and strict discipline to curb crime.
“Once these measures are implemented, insecurity in Nawfia and across Anambra State will become a thing of the past,” he added.
Earlier reports by Punch Online on December 8 confirmed the killing of four people near Afor Market Junction in Nawfia.
The Anambra State Police Command spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, attributed the attack to a clash between rival cult groups.
Ikenga explained that gang members, driving a black Lexus Jeep with an unknown registration number, stormed the market and opened fire indiscriminately.
The attackers escaped before police arrived, but preliminary investigations have provided leads, and authorities are actively working to apprehend them.
Punch