Nigerian comedian killed by gunmen
Gunmen have reportedly killed popular Anambra comedian and media personality, Isaac Nwosu, popularly known as Aiza Nwosu, along with another man in separate attacks in Awka, the state capital.
The incidents occurred at two different locations within the city.
The comedian was attacked along S.M. Okeke Street in the Amaikwo area, while the second victim was shot along Capital City Road, Amaenyi.
The attacks caused panic among residents as gunshots were heard in the affected areas.
People reportedly fled for safety as the assailants carried out the attacks before escaping from the locations.
Preliminary information indicated that the two killings may have been carried out by the same group.
Residents and eyewitnesses also raised the possibility of a cult-related motive, although the reason for the attacks had not been established by the police.
According to information gathered from the area, the attackers were believed to be three men travelling in a silver-coloured Toyota Corolla.
They allegedly followed Nwosu from his residence before intercepting his vehicle along S.M. Okeke Street.
The comedian was reportedly shot inside his car and was left dead at the scene.
The attackers allegedly continued their movement and later attacked another man along Capital City Road, where they reportedly took some of his belongings before fleeing.
The assailants were also said to have fired shots into the air while leaving the area, further increasing fear among residents and other people in the vicinity.
Security operatives were alerted after the attacks and moved to the two locations.
The bodies of the victims were recovered and taken to a hospital, where medical personnel confirmed them dead.
The Anambra State Police Command later confirmed the killings and said an investigation had begun to determine what led to the attacks and identify those responsible.
The police said the second victim had not been identified as of the time of the confirmation, while the other victim was identified as Isaac Nwosu.
Items recovered by the police from the scene included N7,550 cash, a Moniepoint ATM card and a pair of slippers.
The registration number of the Toyota Corolla allegedly used by the attackers was not immediately known.
Following the incident, the police command launched a manhunt for the suspects and deployed additional personnel to the affected areas and other parts of Awka.
The case was also transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka for further investigation.
Security personnel were directed to increase patrols, surveillance and intelligence activities within the city and neighbouring areas.
The police appealed to residents, community leaders, motorists, business owners and anyone with useful information about the attackers or the vehicle used during the incident to contact the authorities.
The command assured members of the public that information provided to assist the investigation would be handled confidentially.
