The leadership of the Nawfia community, in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, has announced the suspension of one of the major Igbo cultural festivals, “Igu Aro,” until further notice due to increased and persistent gunmen attacks.

The decision, outlined in a statement on Friday by the traditional ruler of Nawfia, Igwe Daniel Obelle, aims to prevent further loss of lives, as “perpetrators of these evil acts are still devising further measures to inflict pain on innocent residents of the town.”

Obelle said the decision followed extensive consultations among critical stakeholders and the traditional council of the Nawfia kingdom.

“Following the series of insecurities experienced between September 9, 2025, October 20, 2025, and the recent attack on December 7, 2025, which tragically claimed the lives of four promising young men, the Igwe-in-Council and the entire people of Nawfia have suspended the most notable cultural festival, ‘Igu Aro,’ for this year to mourn our brothers who were murdered,” Obelle said.

He added that the festival, originally scheduled for January 2, 2026, has been suspended to protect the lives and properties of Nawfia residents, irrespective of tribe, ethnicity, or religion.

Obelle expressed concern over the increasing gun attacks, noting that no arrests had been reported.

“Nawfia people, both at home and abroad, are very saddened by what is happening in our community. We have experienced these insecurities since September 9, 2024, without any arrest of the perpetrators. We are doing our best to restore confidence in our people,” he said.

The monarch assured all that efforts are ongoing with the Police and the Department of State Services to bring the attackers to justice.

He also highlighted the need for improvement in state-owned security outfits, Agunechemba and Udogachi, urging the government to recruit qualified personnel, provide proper training, equip them with skills, and enforce discipline to curb insecurity.

“Once these measures are implemented, I believe insecurity in Nawfia and the entire Anambra State will become a thing of the past,” Obelle added.

Punch Online reported on December 8 that four people lost their lives in a violent attack near Afor Market Junction in Nawfia.

The Anambra State Police Command Spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, attributing it to a rival cult clash.

Ikenga explained that some gang members, operating a black Lexus Jeep with an unknown registration number, stormed the market and opened fire indiscriminately.

He said the hoodlums escaped before police arrival, but preliminary information has provided leads, and the Command is actively working to track down and arrest the perpetrators. (The PUNCH)

Update news