EBONYI CULT KILLINGS – RESIDENTS FLEE, POLICE ARREST 10

The people of Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have expressed worry over the spate of alleged cult related killings in the area.

The development has resulted in some youths fleeing their communities over fear of reprisal attacks while other residents embark on processions to seek God’s intervention in the matter.

Though the challenges of cult related violence are not new in Ohaukwu Local Government Area, the attacks which claimed 3 lives in the last one month have brought back the ugly memories of the past.

Investigations reveal that one of the victims known as Anslem Omar was trailed and shot dead at Izhiangbo junction.

A youth Leader in the area who pleaded anonymity told Radio Nigeria that 2 more persons were killed in apparent reprisal attacks after the killing of Anslem.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi State, Mrs. Loveth Oda, said the command had launched investigations into the renewed killings while 10 suspects had been arrested.

As a result of the killings, accusing fingers have been pointing towards the direction of some politicians in Ohaukwu Local Government Area, who were said to be sponsoring such attacks to expand their areas of influence ahead of 2019 general election.

When asked if this is true, the Local Government Chairman, Mr. Clement Odah, said he launched serious war against cultism from the first day he assumed office and urged police to investigate any body connected to the killings no matter his political position.

On what Governor David Umahi is doing to address the problem, his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Uzor, noted that he had directed security agencies to fish out the perpetrators.

Mr. Uzor however frowned on the political colouration being given to the matter as he pointed out that no political appointee had been arrested on cult related issue in the state.

AMECHI ODO