Community Leader Killed others injured by suspected Cult members in retaliatory attack

Community Leader Killed others injured by suspected Cult members in retaliatory attack

Violence erupted in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Friday evening when gunmen believed to be members of the Neo-Black Movement cult, popularly called Aye, carried out a deadly attack on the community.

During the assault, several residents were injured, while the President General of the community, Chief Ikwuka Okoye, was shot dead. Another person was also killed, though the victim’s identity had yet to be confirmed as of the time of this report.

Sources within the community linked the attack to the recent killing of a suspected Aye cult member, Emma Amasco, said to be about 25 years old.

Amasco was reportedly known for petty robbery and cult-related activities in Onitsha, where he allegedly operated earlier in the week, dispossessing victims of mobile phones and other valuables.

On Wednesday, he was said to have taken more than 18 mobile phones and several laptops to Sir Emeka Offor Plaza in Onitsha in an attempt to sell them, but was apprehended before completing the transaction.

Following his arrest, Amasco was reportedly returned to Ogidi at the request of the traditional ruler and Chief Okoye, both of whom were said to be leading a campaign to rid the town of cultism and violent crime.

During questioning, he allegedly confessed to involvement in numerous killings and reportedly mentioned the names of some prominent individuals within the community connected to past crimes.

However, Amasco later died under circumstances that were described as unclear. His death reportedly angered members of his cult group, who allegedly threatened retaliation against the community.

That threat appeared to have been carried out on Friday evening when armed men invaded Ogidi and opened fire.

Chief Okoye, described by residents as a widely respected and popular leader, was among those killed in the attack. Details surrounding the exact manner of his death were still sketchy at the time of filing this report.

The Anambra State Police Command has since confirmed the killing and vowed to pursue those responsible.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, the command expressed sympathy with the community and pointed to a connection between the murder of the President General and the earlier capture and killing of the suspected cultist.

The statement read: “Following the report, police operatives swiftly took over the scene of the incident and commenced investigations. The Command is currently working with eyewitness accounts and other available intelligence to identify and arrest the perpetrators.

“The Anambra State Police Command assures members of the public that all efforts are being intensified to bring those responsible to justice. Residents are urged to remain calm and cooperate with the police as investigations continue.”