In Awka, the capital city of Anambra State, a harrowing scene unfolded on Sunday as suspected rival cult groups clashed, leaving at least three individuals dead. The confrontation erupted amidst the bustling activity of Eke Awka market, where traders and passersby bore witness to the violent altercation.
Eyewitnesses recounted the chaos that ensued as two tricycles careened recklessly along Ziks Avenue, with one ultimately becoming immobilized in traffic. From there, the situation escalated rapidly as occupants of the vehicles disembarked and began pursuing each other, brandishing firearms.
TheUpdate.ng learnt that the pursuit led to a mechanic workshop in the Parker area, where one of the individuals fleeing the scene sought refuge. However, his pursuers caught up with him, dragging him from his hiding place before fatally shooting him. The sudden eruption of violence sent shockwaves through the area, prompting panic among residents who fled in all directions.
Despite the gravity of the incident, authorities, including Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye, initially denied any knowledge of the killings. However, this denial starkly contrasted with the eyewitness accounts and the palpable fear gripping the community.
This tragic event adds to a troubling pattern of violence fueled by the fierce competition for control over revenue streams generated by tricycle and shuttle bus operators. The clash underscores the pervasive influence of rival factions vying for dominance, with repercussions extending far beyond the immediate loss of life.
The escalating cult clashes have emerged as a pressing concern for both law enforcement agencies and residents alike, casting a shadow over the once vibrant city. Commissioner Adeoye, in a recent engagement with members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Anambra State chapter, expressed deep concern over the situation.
He highlighted the alarming trend of influential individuals leveraging their connections to secure the release of arrested cultists, only to see them return to perpetrate further violence.
As Anambra grapples with the fallout from yet another deadly confrontation, the urgent need for effective intervention measures becomes increasingly apparent. The specter of gang-related violence looms large, underscoring the imperative for collaborative efforts to address the root causes and prevent further loss of life.
