A popular Anambra comedian and media personality, Isaac Nwosu, popularly known as Aiza Nwosu, has been killed by gunmen in Awka, the state capital.
Another unidentified man was also shot dead in a separate attack by the same assailants on Sunday night.
The incidents occurred at S.M. Okeke Street in Amaikwo and Capital City Road in Amaenyi, Awka.
According to reports from residents and eyewitnesses, the attackers, said to be three in number, reportedly followed Nwosu from his residence in a tinted vehicle before blocking his car and opening fire.
An eyewitness said, “The assailants trailed the comedian from his home, double-crossed his vehicle and attacked him. He was shot inside his car and left in a pool of blood.”
The witness added that the suspects later drove to another location, where they allegedly shot another man by the roadside and took some of his belongings before fleeing.
The attackers reportedly fired several shots into the air as they left, causing panic among residents and forcing people in the area to seek safety.
The police were subsequently alerted and security personnel were deployed to the affected areas.
Confirming the killings, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the command had begun investigations and launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.
Ikenga said, “Information gathered so far reveals that three unidentified persons, travelling in a silver-coloured Toyota Corolla, reportedly shot two persons at separate locations within Awka.”
He explained that police patrol teams were immediately mobilised after receiving the distress call.
According to him, the bodies were recovered from the two locations and taken to a hospital, where medical personnel confirmed the victims dead.
The police spokesperson identified one of the victims as Isaac Nwosu, while the identity of the second victim remained unknown.
Ikenga said items recovered from the scene included ₦7,550 in cash, a Moniepoint ATM card and a pair of slippers.
The police said they were investigating the motive for the attacks, although some residents had linked the incident to suspected cult-related activities.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnanna Ama, condemned the killings, describing them as unacceptable and a serious threat to the peace of the state.
He directed the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka to take over the case for a thorough investigation.
The police command also increased patrols, surveillance and intelligence operations across Awka and neighbouring communities.
The command appealed to residents, community leaders, motorists and business owners who might have witnessed the attacks or have information about the suspects or the vehicle used in the operation to contact the police.
The police assured members of the public that information provided would be handled confidentially and urged residents to support efforts to apprehend those responsible for the killings.
