It was a bleak Sunday across two communities and another location in Awka, the Anambra State capital, yesterday as rival secret cult clashes left 17 persons dead in the state.
The suspected cultists unleashed their heinous acts on eight targets in Nibo Community in Awka South local government area, while three others were killed at Okpuno community in Awka Capital town .
It was gathered that an aggrieved cult group had at about 1.30 pm yesterday during a New Yam Festival of the Nibo Community turned the supposed happy ceremony into blood letting which left eight dead.
The rival cult groups were said to have engaged in fierce exchange of gunfire that led to both sides sustaining serious casualties.
Similarly, at Nodu village in Okpuno community another two rival cult groups exchanged gun battles that sent two suspected members to their early graves.
Gunshots were said to have rained dangerously to scuttle the ongoing New Yam Festival of Nibo Community popularly known as Onwa Nasaa which made both guests and residents scamper for safety.
The incident took place shortly after worshippers ended their Sunday services at their various centers in both communities.
As at the time of this report the actual number of deaths and those wounded could not be confirmed.
An eyewitness who was at the Onwa Nasaa Festival told newsmen that the number of those injured were many.
State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tochikwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident.
He said, “The command is aware of a suspected cult-related clash today 20/10/2024 in Nibo, Awka South LGA.
He explained that the Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam, had ordered immediate deployment of additional operatives to the area for necessary action.
According to him, “Preliminary reports of the incidents are still sketchy as the command calls on the witnesses of this incident to volunteer information that will help to identify the perpetrators for possible arrest.”
He urged the public to, “Be assured that information sent in this regard shall be treated with utmost confidentiality. You can call the Command Control Room at *07039194332* or the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) at *08039334002.”
