A burial ceremony in Imo State turned into a scene of horror after a man was shot dead in broad daylight while funeral rites were underway.
The victim was reportedly attacked amid the gathering of mourners, throwing the ceremony into confusion as people scampered for safety.
The incident occurred during the burial rites, with witnesses said to have been left stunned by the sudden eruption of violence.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remained unclear as of the time of filing this report, including the identity of the attackers and their motive.
The deceased was said to have been among those attending the funeral when the gunmen struck.
The attack has once again raised concerns over the safety of people attending ceremonies in parts of the South-East, where armed attacks have repeatedly disrupted funeral activities.
A 2025 investigation by The Guardian documented cases of kidnappings, killings and threats linked to burial ceremonies in parts of Imo and neighbouring Anambra State.
In one documented incident in Imo, gunmen attacked a vehicle connected to a funeral ceremony in Arondizuogu, while other families in the state were reportedly forced to pay criminal groups before conducting burials.
The latest killing has therefore added a fresh layer of fear to funeral gatherings, with mourners now facing the disturbing possibility of becoming victims while paying their final respects to the dead.
Details of the latest shooting, including the exact location, identity of the deceased and whether any arrests have been made, were still awaited.
Watch an abridged video of the incident:
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