Gunmen Kill Popular Nigerian Entertainer and Another Man in Awka, Police Launch Manhunt
Awka, Nigeria — Police in Nigeria’s southeastern Anambra State have launched a major investigation after unidentified gunmen allegedly killed two people at separate locations in the state capital, Awka.
One of the victims was identified as Isaac Nwosu, popularly known as “Azia Nwosu,” a well-known master of ceremonies and media personality. The second victim, a man who was reportedly attacked at another location, had not been publicly identified at the time of the latest police update.
The attacks occurred on Sunday night, August 30, according to the Anambra State Police Command. Nwosu was reportedly shot along S.M. Okeke Street in the Amaikwo area of Awka, while the second victim was attacked along Capital City Road in Amaenyi.
Police said the incidents caused panic among residents, with people rushing to safety after gunshots were reported in the area.
According to information gathered by investigators, the attackers were travelling in a silver-coloured Toyota Corolla. Police have not yet established the vehicle’s registration number.
Witness accounts cited in local reports suggested that several attackers may have followed Nwosu from his residence before allegedly intercepting his vehicle and opening fire. The same group was reportedly involved in the second shooting shortly afterward, although investigators have yet to publicly establish the full sequence of events.
Security personnel were dispatched after receiving distress calls. Officers subsequently secured the affected areas and recovered the victims, who were taken to hospital, where medical personnel confirmed their deaths.
Police also recovered several items from the crime scenes, including ₦7,550 in cash, a Moniepoint ATM card and a pair of slippers. Investigators are expected to examine these items as part of the evidence-gathering process.
The motive behind the shootings remains unclear. Some residents and eyewitnesses have speculated about a possible connection to cult-related violence, but police have not confirmed that theory.
Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga said the command had intensified efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka for a detailed investigation.
Commissioner of Police Nnanna Ama condemned the killings and described the attacks as a serious threat to public safety. He directed investigative and operational teams to work toward identifying the perpetrators and bringing them before the courts.
Authorities are appealing to residents with credible information about the attackers, their vehicle or their movements before and after the shootings to assist investigators.
The investigation remains active, and police have not announced any arrests in connection with the killings as of the latest report. The motive and identities of all those responsible remain subjects of the ongoing inquiry.
