Okolo was gunned down in his car by suspected cultists in the Obosi community. Another person was reportedly killed, his face shattered, making identification difficult.
For some time, there have been a series of cult-related attacks in several communities in Anambra State, but the violence appears to have increased during the holiday season.
On January 2, one man was shot dead in Awka; about two people were shot dead in Ifite; and four men sitting in Obi Maduka's compound on New Year's Day, being entertained by their host, were shot dead by suspected cultists in Nodu, in the Okpuno community.
Onyiebo Okoye, Kenechukwu Okeke, Jude Ebenezar, and Obinna Maduka were the victims' names.
Soludo condemned the incidents in a press release issued by the Governor's Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime.
"The State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has condemned the cult-related war and subsequent killings in Obosi and Okpuno, both in Idemili North and Awka South Council Areas.
"Governor Soludo strongly condemns these senseless killings and has assured that the perpetrators will be apprehended and dealt with decisively, even if they have fled town." He emphasized that they will be pursued and face the full force of the law.
He stated that Anambra had the best Christmas in decades because it was traffic-free, thanks to a new traffic control system put in place by the government during the festive season, with Anambra Youth Volunteers and the State Traffic Management Agency working 24 hours a day at all critical points to control traffic.
"Monday, which was once observed as a day to sit at home, saw massive outdoor activities as the state bubbled with activities all over," said one observer.
"Governor Soludo also assured that the cult gangs that fought today would undoubtedly be tracked down and dealt with decisively in accordance with the law," he added.
(Source: Daily Post)
