Suspected members of the Neo-Black Movement, popularly known as Aye cult, have killed the President General of Ogidi community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Chief Ikwuka Okoye, and one other unidentified person.
The attack occurred on Friday evening and has been linked to the earlier killing of a known cult member, Emma Amasco, in the community.
Sources said Amasco, aged about 25, was apprehended after allegedly engaging in criminal activities in Onitsha. He was later returned to Ogidi following the intervention of the community leadership, including the traditional ruler and the late President General, who had reportedly taken a firm stance against cultism and violent crime.
Following his death, suspected members of the cult allegedly carried out a reprisal attack on the community, during which Chief Okoye was shot and killed in a busy area of the town.
The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the killings and linked the incident to the recent arrest and death of the suspected cult member.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said police operatives swiftly took control of the scene and commenced investigations.
“The Command is currently working with eyewitness accounts and other available intelligence to identify and arrest the perpetrators,” the statement said.
The police commiserated with the Ogidi community and assured residents that efforts had been intensified to bring those responsible to justice, urging the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as investigations continue.
By David-Chyddy Eleke,
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