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A violent altercation between rival cult factions turned fatal on Wednesday at the vibrant Eke Awka market in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, leading to the death of one person identified as Igwe Omeli.
As per the Easter Updates findings, the victim’s tragic death occurred amidst a crossfire while rival cult factions were embroiled in a heated battle for control of the market.
Law enforcement’s initial assessment points to the possibility that the victim was a prominent leader within the Aye cult group, that had established itself in the market.
For security reasons, a source within the market who chose to speak on the condition of anonymity and informed newsmen that the unfortunate incident was a clash between the Baga and Aye cult groups.
The source said, ‘The clash is related to market politics, but the man killed was the person they always used in terrorising us to comply with certain agenda. Any time the leadership want to enforce any agenda, he is the person and others they used.’
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‘The Baga cult group members were pursuing Omeli and he ran into the market to mobilise his boys to rescue him and unfortunately for him, before his boys could get the information, they killed him and cut his head and male organ.’
‘He was killed inside the market at the abattoir area and the cult members cut his head and male organ with the butcher’s knives. Further bloodshed was averted as members of the rival cult group had fled before the deceased group members arrived at the scene.’
The same anonymous source said that a few weeks ago, the rival groups engaged in another clash, resulting in the death of one individual.
The PPRO stated that, ‘Police operatives have intensified surveillance operations in the area and investigation is ongoing. No arrest yet. More information will be communicated later.’
‘Our operatives have taken over the scene and information gathered from an eyewitness shows it is cult-related.’
‘Also, some witnesses of the incident have provided more information that is helping in ongoing operations aimed at uncovering the perpetrators.’
When approached, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, the State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the incident and noted that law enforcement has heightened their presence and activities in the vicinity.
