Armed men suspected to be members of a secret cult on Saturday invaded a burial ceremony in Ebenebe, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State and allegedly killed twenty persons.
Sources claimed that it was the burial of a suspected leader of a cult named Ozo, and that the rival cultists swoop on the mourners while the corpse of Ozo was lying in state and shot at them.
Another source claimed that he escaped the rampaging cultists by whiskers as he went to ease himself shortly before the arrival of the cultists.
Video clip of the bloody incident which has gone viral show members of the community wailing, while corpses littered the ground.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police command in confirming the incident, said that it was a case of cult rivalry and that five persons were actually killed during the attack.
This position was contained in a press release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer PPRO of the command, Tochukwu Ikenga (DSP).
“Today 26th February, 2022, information was received from concerned citizens about the mayhem unleashed by cultists on rival cultists at the burial of a notorious cultist known as Ozo in Ebenebe, Awka North LGA.
“Although no notification was given to the Police about the planned burial, the Commissioner of Police immediately drafted Police Tactical Teams led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police to the town to protect the people against the rampaging cultists.
“On the spot assessment indicate that not less than five suspected cultists were killed in cold blood. Some of the corpses had been removed by their relations.
“The Commissioner of Police is miffed at the cold heartedness of criminal elements in the society who have no regard for the sanctity of life of their fellow citizens.
“It must be restated that no one, no matter their grievance, has the right to take the life of another person. The perpetrators of this crime will be hunted down until they are brought to justice.” The statement stated.
The statement added that the Anambra State Commissioner of Police has implored the good citizens of the state to continue to support the command with timely information to enable it provide quality security for all residents and visitors alike.
