Eight persons have been killed in Imo State in a clash involving two rival cult groups from Awarra and Ochia communities of Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of the State.
According to one of the youths in the community, the clash was caused by disagreement between the groups over who controls the proceeds from oil companies operating in the communities.
A community leader from one of the communities said five of the dead were members of the cult groups while the remaining three were community members who died as a result of shock from the sound of gun fires.
He blamed the state government for allowing the cultists to terrorise the communities by failing to provide security to checkmate their activities.
He lamented the displacement of the community people as a result of frequent cult clashes, adding that they have resulted into taking refuge in churches in neighbouring communities like Assa, Obile, Obosima, and Umuokanne.
“They’re dying because they have no food, no access to their homes and farmlands. Imagine people living outside their homes in this economic hardship”, he lamented.
The community leader however noted that the affected communities have formed a committee to come out with measures that will guarantee peace, while also appealing to he police and Imo State government to come to their aid by ensuring those who ran away are returned home.
“We need peace to return to our communities so that people can lead their normal lives,” he added.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, Henry Okoye, who confirmed the incident said the Command received complaints about attacks by some criminal elements in the areas.
“The police have been doing a lot to restore peace in Ohaji. The Commissioner of Police has engaged in a series of meetings with stakeholders of Ohaji. We, in collaboration with other security personnel, have enhanced security strategy,” the PPRO said.
“Ohaji’s security also lies with the people of the area because there’s no way we can actually get it right without the maximum cooperation of people.”
“The Commissioner of Police has personally visited Ohaji. The cooperation with the stakeholders is yielding results because we have made several arrests. The security of Ohaji has improved since the current police boss came. We are doing everything possible to restore peace and order in the area.”