Two Killed in Separate Gun Attacks in Awka as Police Hunt Assailants

By Praise Chinecherem

Fear gripped Awka, the Anambra State capital, on Sunday after gunmen struck at separate locations, killing two people, including popular comedian, radio personality and digital advertiser, Isaac Nwosu, popularly known as “Azia” or Aiza.

The attacks, which occurred on Sunday, August 30, 2026, have triggered a massive police manhunt for the yet-to-be-identified assailants.

Police said preliminary information showed that three unidentified men travelling in a silver-coloured Toyota Corolla with an unknown registration number carried out the shootings at separate locations within Awka.

One of the victims was identified as Isaac Nwosu, while the identity of the second victim was yet to be established.

Aiza, a well-known personality in Awka, was reportedly trailed from his residence before he was attacked. However, the exact circumstances surrounding his killing, including speculation about a possible cult-related motive, have not been officially confirmed by the police.

The entertainer had become a familiar figure in Awka through his work as a comedian, media personality, DJ and advertiser. He was also known for his unconventional lifestyle and colourful public image.

Aiza was said to have survived several serious accidents in the past, including incidents that reportedly claimed other lives.

His unusual lifestyle also attracted public attention, including his decision to paint his house black and his choice to arrive at his wedding ceremony in a tipper vehicle.

Confirming the attacks, the Anambra State Police Command said its operatives immediately mobilised to the affected areas after receiving distress calls.

Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the victims were found at two separate locations — Capital City Road, Amaenyi, and S.M. Okeke Street, Amaikwo, Awka.

“Upon arrival at the scenes, the operatives recovered the bodies of the victims along Capital City Road, Amaenyi, and S.M. Okeke Street, Amaikwo, Awka, respectively,” Ikenga said.

He added that the victims were taken to a hospital, where medical personnel confirmed them dead.

According to him, police operatives also recovered ₦7,550, a Moniepoint ATM card and a pair of slippers from the scenes.

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, condemned the killings and ordered a comprehensive investigation.

“The Commissioner of Police has strongly condemned the dastardly act and described the killings as unacceptable and a direct affront to the peace and security of the state,” Ikenga said.

The police chief has also directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Awka, for what the Command described as a “discreet and comprehensive investigation.”

Meanwhile, security operatives have intensified patrols, surveillance and intelligence gathering across Awka and surrounding communities in a bid to track down the attackers.

The police appealed to residents, community leaders, motorists and business owners with useful information about the suspects, their movements or the vehicle allegedly used in the attacks to cooperate with investigators.

“Such information will be treated with utmost confidentiality,” the police assured, stressing that community partnership remained critical to preventing crime and bringing perpetrators to justice.

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