Despite every effort by security agencies aided by the Anambra State Government to address the spate of cult killings in the state, gunmen suspected to be cultists over the weekend shot a man dead in Awka, the state capital.
The assailants suspected to be a members of a cult group killed man identified as Aluka at Ifite, a village in Awka, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The victim who is said to reside around second market in Ifite was gunned down by his assailants not far from his residence.
Last month, the Police in Anambra had boasted that it had arrested a key cult leader responsible for the numerous cult-related killings in the state capital, and residents had heaved a sigh of relief that their worries are over.
However, the incident over the weekend, left many people living in the neighbourhood wondering, when the incessant killings, especially of young people, will end.
Speaking on the incident, a source said the man’s corpse was immediately taken away by members of his family, to avoid confiscation by police.
The source within the area said: “He was shot by some people who were driving in a black jeep. Even as I speak, his blood is still in my street, but his family members hurriedly took away his body.
“He is from Agbani Ifite, and his name was given as Aluka. He lives at second market, and a native if the place. We are not sure yet if it was a case of cult attack, but people are saying it is about cultism.”
Another resident of the area, said the incident sent a shock wave to the entire area.
“The Jeep that carried the killers was speeding down the road and everyone was just running helter-skelter.
“People say he is a quiet person, but also popular within Ifite, but I don’t know him.
“I really don’t know why it is difficult for the security agencies to address this problem once and for all. Everyday, we witness the termination of lives of young people. As we speak, our community is deserted as you can hardly find any young man here. Those available are in hiding,” he lamented.
Our correspondent however reached to the police authorities in the state, but the state police command’s spokesperson, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga said nothing of such sort has been brought to their knowledge.
“We have not received any report of something like that. We are not aware,” he said.
