Scores killed in Anambra, Rivers cult clashes
Awka—Tragedy struck in Nibo, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, yesterday, as scores of lives were lost in a brutal attack by masked men.
This came as four persons were killed in Edeoha community, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State when gunmen suspected to be cultists invaded the community with heavy gunfire.
In Nibo, the gunmen were said to have stormed an eatery in the community in a black Lexus SUV and opened fire, shooting people indiscriminately, and leaving several people dead. At the last count, no fewer than 10 persons were already dead.
According to eyewitnesses, the attack occurred during the Onwa Asaa ceremony, a traditional festival in the community.
“It was like a war zone. The gunmen just stormed the place and started shooting everywhere. People were running for their lives, screaming and crying. It was chaos.
“We are devastated. How can someone do this to us during our celebration? It’s heartbreaking.”
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but authorities have been urged to launch a thorough investigation.
4 feared killed as suspected cultists invade Rivers community
It was gathered that the gunmen believed to be members of an Iceland cult group invaded the community about 2 a.m., yesterday, with sophisticated weapons.
It was learned that on entering the community, they started shooting sporadically and moving from house to house in search of their targets, killing four persons in the process.
A source within the community disclosed that three of the killed persons were natives of Edeoha, while the other one was native of Ekata, a community in the same Aboada East LGA, but lives in Edoha.
The source hinted that the suspected Iceland cult members, who carried out the killing came from a camp in a neighbouring community to carry out the overnight killing at Edeoha.
The source wondered about the reason for the attack, claiming that the persons who were killed were not cult members.
Meantime, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the development.
Iringe-Koko said: “Yes, I can confirm the incident, it is cult related. The Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Mustapha has instructed the Ahoada Area Commander and the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, to commence an investigation into the incident with a view to apprehending the perpetrators and making them face justice.”
