CULTISM in Awka, Anambra State has left five persons dead in the last seven days.
Newsden sources revealed that the five suspected cult members who are said to be within the range of 23 and 30 years of age have been murdered in different locations as Amachalla axis, Amikwo axis, Ifite Nkwo-Amenyi road, temp site junction and Udoka Estate.
Reporters who went round the city after some rumours that gun shots were heard at around 10:25am, on Saturday, 7th Nov, 2020 at Nkwo Amaenyi markets reports that a young man in his mid thirties was shot several times by unknown gunmen who came in keke tricycle.
On Friday, it was also gathered that a returnee who resides in Udoka Estate and planning to go back to Malaysia by December was shot and confirmed dead.
“The one they shot at Udoka Estate on Sunday morning has been in Malaysia but came back last year December planning to go back by December ending once they open flight movement. Now he just ended up killed”.
According to a source who did not want his name on print, “about 11:40am today, I witnessed first-hand the level at which Awka has fallen, as far as cultism is concerned.
“I was going to Nnewi from Awka. At Ukwu Orji, I saw two men fighting by the roadside, one a conductor and the other a Keke rider.
“Because there was traffic, we all stayed in our cars and watched. The Keke rider broke free from the grip of the other guy and reached into a sling bag he had over his shoulders, and drew a small and rusted local pistol, which he immediately cocked and pulled the trigger at his opponent.
“Lucky for the bus conductor (who, on seeing the gun immediately surrendered), the gun refused to shoot.”
When our correspondent pressured him for more information, he said, “I think the gunman may have felt the conductor had a charm, so he aimed the gun away from him; albeit randomly (and at the vehicles in the traffic) and pulled the trigger severally.
“I confess that I almost died sitting in my car. Alas, it was obvious that the pistol was faulty. He quickly put it back in the bag and ran off.
“All these happened at day time, and no one spoke or challenged him.”
However, findings reveal that more than half of tricycle operators in Awka are cultists. Some of them carry small bags usually hanged around the waist or chest.
Another resident who simply identified himself as Emeka disclosed that, “All those guys who carry sling bags about, making it part of their dress sense, no matter what they wear; fear them. Na gunmen be that.
“Killings within Awka in just this week is almost uncountable, guys let’s be careful”.
Meanwhile, efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer for confirmation of the incidents proved abortive as at time of filing this report.
BY SUNNY A. DAVID
