2 feared dead as rival cult clash sparks panic in Ebonyi community

Tension has enveloped the Oriuzor community in Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State following a violent clash between rival cult groups that left two people dead.

The victims, identified as Ogele Ifeanyi, a local barber, and Nweke Obumneme Emmanuel, a commercial tricycle rider who had stopped by for a haircut, were reportedly attacked and killed inside the barbershop during the confrontation.

Community sources revealed that the incident was a reprisal attack, allegedly carried out after the killing of a member of one of the cult groups.

According to community sources, members of the DNKI (Vikings) allegedly carried out the killings. Ifeanyi was said to be a member of NBM (Aye), while the second victim, Emmanuel, reportedly had no cult affiliation.

The attackers claimed they had been tracking Ifeanyi over his alleged involvement in the killing of a Vikings leader.

However, NBM sources denied the allegation, arguing that Ifeanyi could not have been responsible for killing a Vikings leader and still comfortably operate a barbershop in Oriuzor, an area dominated by Vikings. They also accused a local politician, identified as Victor, of empowering and shielding the Vikings, contributing to their growing influence in the area.

Sources familiar with Emmanuel maintained that he was not a cultist and was only at the barbershop for a haircut. They believe he may have been killed either by mistaken identity or because he recognized some of the assailants.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi State, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the incident and the identities of the victims. He added that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and to apprehend the perpetrators.