A man named Igwe Omeli was shot dead and beheaded after a clash between competing cult groups at the famed Eke Awka market in Anambra State’s Awka South Local Government Area.
According to Punch, the event occurred on Wednesday morning, July 26, 2023, as opposing cult groups fought for domination over the popular market.
The deceased is claimed to be one of the market’s leaders of the Aye cult, who was used to force vendors to follow particular rules and regulations, including fees.
The incident caused panic in the market, with shopkeepers fleeing to safety as they arrived at their respective shops.
According to a market insider who requested anonymity for security reasons, the conflict was between the Baga and Aye cult groups in the market.
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According to an eyewitness, after executing the deceased, they beheaded him and severed his manhood.
“The clash is related to market politics, but the man killed was the person they always used in terrorising us to comply with certain agenda. Any time the leaders want to enforce any agenda, he is the person and others they used,” the source said.
“The Baga cult group members were pursuing Omeli and he ran into the market to mobilise his boys to rescue him unfortunately for him before his boys could get the information, they killed him and beheaded him and cut his male organ.
“He was killed inside the market at the abattoir area and the cult members cut his head and male organ with the butcher’s knives. Further bloodshed was averted as the members of the rival cult group had fled before the deceased group members arrive at the scene.”
DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, the command’s spokesman, confirmed the event, saying police officers had increased their presence in the region.
“The police operatives have intensified surveillance operations in the area and the investigation is ongoing. No arrest yet. More information will be communicated later,” the PPRO added.