Notorious Cultist on Police’s wanted list shot dead in cult clash

About a week after four people were killed in a cult-related clash in Owo, the headquarters of Owo Local Government Area in Ondo State, a 40-year-old suspected cultist was killed on Sunday.

The suspected cultist, Nasir Isiaka, who was described as notorious, was shot at close range in the Gbanasa area of the town by two masked men.

While confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the police command in the state, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, stated that Isiaka had been on police’s wanted list due to his alleged involvement in violent crimes in the state.

According to her: “On getting to the scene, the police discovered that the deceased was a cultist who participated in the #EndSARS protests, attacked the Uso Division, and stole an AK-47 and bulletproof vest belonging to the police.

“He also participated in the killing of one Adedeji Rafiu, aka PA. His remains have been deposited in the mortuary by the police, and efforts are underway to apprehend the men behind the mask.”

Three Residents shot dead by suspected cult members in night attack

Armed Cultists suspected to be members of the Greenlanders, on Wednesday night, invaded Igbogene Community a suburb of Yenagoa , the Bayelsa capital, allegedly killing three persons.

The cult boys, numbering about 10 and allegedly armed with dangerous weapons, were said to have invaded the community at about 8pm, causing residents to scamper for safety.

A resident, who preferred anonymity, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Correspondent on Thursday, that the first person shot dead was the son of the former head of the Community Vigilante Group.

According to him, he was shot close to his house. While the second person, who was not a cultist, was shot when he could not disclose the whereabout of his elder brother.

Investigations show that the attack was sparked off by rivalry between two notorious cult groups, the Bobos and Greenlanders; while the cultists involved in the fight are residents and indigenes of the community.

Also speaking, the Youth President of the Igbogene Community, Mr Ezekiel Igbenivie, who confirmed the development, said those involved had absconded, but “one of the persons shot is still alive and receiving treatment in the hospital.”

The arrival of the Police teams of operation  Door Kapoor Division, the Anti-Kidnapping Squad and the Rapid Response Team calmed down the situation.

The Spokesman of the Bayelsa Police Command, DSP Musa Mohammed, who also confirmed the incident, said those shot included: Donaldson Mison, 28; Addy Mulan, 27; and Greenboy Dudella, 29. (NAN)

Tragedy has hit the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi in Anambra, following the reported killing of Rev. Tobias Okonkwo by yet-to-be-identified gunmen.

The Chancellor, Nnewi Diocese, Rev. Raphael Ezeogu, disclosed the incident in a statement issued in Onitsha and made available to newsmen on Friday.

Ezeogu stated that Okonkwo was shot dead by the gunmen on the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway at about 7:00 p.m. on Thursday.

The statement solicited prayers and Holy Masses from the catholic faithful for the deceased eternal joy.

According to Ezeogu, where sorrow increases, divine consolation increases all the more.

“He stated: “The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi announces, with sorrow, but with stronger faith, that our dear Rev. Fr. Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo died December 26.

“He was shot dead by unidentified assailants at Ihiala, on the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway, between 7p.m. and 8 p.m.

“We solicit your prayers and Holy Masses for his eternal joy.

“May Fr. Tobias rejoice in Paradise for ever Amen.

“May God console the bereaved,” the cleric stated.

He further stated that funeral arrangements would be communicated in due course.

Efforts made to get the reaction of the Police Spokesman in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, proved abortive as calls and messages sent to his phone could not deliver at the time of filing the report. (NAN)