By Cajetan Mmuta, Awka
All seems awry in Awka, the Anambra State capital, as no fewer than 13 persons suspected to be members of rival secret cult groups have been shot dead in the past three days in the state.
This came as the state police command arrested a man with an AK-47 rifle at Awada, in the Idemili North local government area.
The indiscriminate killing of suspected rival groups happened during the Easter festivities on Sunday and yesterday respectively.
Dramatically, nightlife has disappeared across popular eateries and drinking spots at Aroma, UNIZIK junction area, and Abakaliki Street, which usually command a large crowd of fun-seekers and night-crawlers.
Commercial shuttle bus drivers and tricycle operators had within the period avoided working at night hours for fear of being attacked.
There seems to be no end yet in sight as other rival groups, whose members were mowed down, are threatening fire and brimstone, with a vow to embark on reprisal attacks within the capital town.
Checks revealed that on Easter Sunday four persons were killed in Awka by an unconfirmed cult group.
The killer group was said to have operated in two Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), with tinted glasses.
Also yesterday, nine others were reportedly gunned down as they were having Easter celebrations at a local drinking bar parlour in the area by members of rival groups.
It was learnt that a retired member of one of the cult groups in his mid forties was killed at the neighboring Amansea town, which sparked the anger of a rival group to embark on a killing spree.
Nine persons were killed in the process yesterday. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the state command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, when contacted, explained that the command is not aware of the killings.
He said that the one alleged to have been killed close to Ekeh Awka main market trending in a video was not true, after investigation. The blood of the victim was visibly seen by passerby along Umueri road leading to Ezi Awka area of the town.
A statement by SP Ikenga said that “Police Officers in Anambra State over the Easter weekend arrested an adult male holding a bag in Awada, Idemili North LGA.
“The man, on sighting the police, took to his heels, and was chased until he was caught and overpowered.
“When the bag was searched, it was found to contain an AK-47 Rifle with breech No. 25008266. Search of the database showed that it was not among firearms in charge of Anambra State Command.
“On interrogation, the suspect disclosed that the weapon was procured for a showdown with a rival cult group
“The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Aderemi Adeoye, while commending police officers who made the recovery for their vigilance and tenacity of purpose, has directed that the investigation be widened and deepened to bring to book all those connected with the arms trafficking, including an alleged financier abroad who provided funds for the purchase.
“He has directed all personnel in the command to re-dedicate themselves to crime prevention and detection in service of the people in the state” he added.b
