Tension in Awka as suspected cultists kill popular mobile advertiser, one other

Tension in Awka as suspected cultists kill popular mobile advertiser

Tension in Awka as suspected cultists kill popular mobile advertiser, one other

Anambra State Police launch manhunt for gunmen who shot two victims at separate locations in the state capital

A wave of fear has swept through residents of Awka, the Anambra State capital, after suspected cultists shot dead a well-known mobile advertiser and media personality, Isaac Nwosu — popularly called Aiza — along with another unidentified person in a brutal attack on Sunday, August 30, 2026. The two separate shootings, which occurred within hours of each other, have left the community in shock and reignited concerns over cult-related violence in the state capital. As of Monday morning, the Anambra State Police Command had launched a full-scale manhunt for the perpetrators, while the motive for the killings remains unclear.

According to eyewitness accounts and preliminary police reports, Nwosu was trailed from his residence by assailants travelling in a silver-coloured Toyota Corolla with heavily tinted windows. The attackers reportedly double-crossed his vehicle along S.M. Okeke Street, Amaikwo, before opening fire on him at close range. Nwosu, who was behind the wheel of his Toyota Hilux van — a vehicle he famously used for mobile advertising, public announcements, and playing music across Awka — was found slumped in the driver’s seat with multiple bullet wounds. His body was later recovered by police operatives, and the vehicle’s sound system was still blaring music when responders arrived at the scene. In a separate incident along Capital City Road, Amaenyi, gunmen believed to be part of the same gang shot another unidentified victim in the head. The body of the second victim was discovered on the roadside, and his identity has yet to be established.

Isaac Nwosu, known by his stage name Aiza, was a household name in Awka. He built a reputation as a versatile entertainer, working as a disc jockey (DJ) and master of ceremonies (MC) at high-profile events, weddings, and parties. He also occasionally presented programmes on local radio stations, earning a loyal following. His signature mobile advertising truck — fitted with powerful loudspeakers — was a familiar sight on the streets of Awka, where he would drive around making announcements, playing music, and promoting businesses. His flamboyant and theatrical style made him one of the most recognisable figures in the city’s entertainment and advertising scene. Colleagues and friends have since flooded social media with tributes, describing him as “unforgettable,” “larger than life,” and “a man who brought energy to every room.”

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Sources close to the deceased revealed that Sunday’s attack was not the first time Nwosu had come under threat. He reportedly survived previous assassination attempts, though the details of those incidents remain unclear. In one past incident, Nwosu was involved in a controversial accident while carrying out a public address function with his vehicle — an accident that nearly left him crippled. Friends say he had been cautious in recent months, but the latest attack proved fatal.

The Anambra State Police Command has condemned the killings in the strongest terms and assured residents that efforts are being intensified to track down the attackers. In an official statement issued on Monday, the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident and provided updates on the investigation. He stated that the Police condemns in the strongest terms the gunshot attacks carried out by unidentified gunmen in Awka on Sunday, 30th August 2026, which resulted in the deaths of two persons, and that the Command has consequently intensified the ongoing manhunt for the perpetrators while calling for the support and cooperation of members of the public to assist in bringing the suspects to justice. According to Ikenga, three unidentified persons travelling in a silver-coloured Toyota Corolla — whose registration number is yet to be ascertained — allegedly carried out the two shootings at different locations. Upon receiving distress calls, police operatives were immediately deployed to the scenes. The bodies of the victims were recovered and taken to a hospital, where medical personnel confirmed them dead. Items recovered from the crime scenes include ₦7,550 in cash, one Moniepoint ATM card, and one pair of slippers.

The Commissioner of Police for Anambra State, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has strongly condemned the killings, describing them as “unacceptable” and “a direct affront to the peace and security of the state.” He has ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) , Awka, for a discreet and comprehensive investigation. CP Ama also directed that security patrols, surveillance, and intelligence-gathering be intensified across Awka and its adjoining areas to prevent further attacks and reassure residents of their safety.

The police command has appealed to community leaders, residents, motorists, business owners, and anyone with credible information about the suspects, their movements, or the vehicle used in the attacks to come forward. SP Ikenga assured the public that all information would be treated with the utmost confidentiality, emphasising that community partnership remains critical to effective policing. He urged residents to provide timely information that could assist in apprehending the perpetrators and preventing further attacks.

The killings have sent shockwaves through Awka, a city with a long and troubled history of cult clashes and gang violence. Residents and members of the entertainment industry are demanding answers and calling on the government to take decisive action to curb the rising tide of insecurity. Many have taken to social media to express their grief and outrage, with some questioning the effectiveness of security measures in the state capital. Others have called for a state-wide crackdown on cult groups and improved intelligence gathering to prevent future tragedies. As of Monday evening, no arrests have been made, and the motive for the killings remains under investigation.

If you have any information that could help the police in their investigation, please contact the nearest police station or the Anambra State Police Command via their official channels. Your identity will be protected, and your information could be crucial in bringing the perpetrators to justice.