Two people have reportedly lost their lives following a violent cult clash in Oriuzor community, Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The victims were identified as Ogele Ifeanyi, a local barber, and Nweke Obumneme Emmanuel, a tricycle (keke) operator who was said to have visited the barbershop for a haircut when the attack occurred.
According to eyewitnesses, the bloody incident was a reprisal attack linked to an ongoing conflict between two rival cult groups — the Vikings (also known as DNKI) and the NBM (Aye). The clash reportedly broke out after a member of one of the groups was killed days earlier.
Community sources alleged that members of the Vikings group stormed the area and attacked Ifeanyi, accusing him of involvement in the killing of one of their leaders. He was allegedly trailed to his shop, where both he and Emmanuel were fatally attacked.
However, members of the NBM denied the allegations, insisting that Ifeanyi could not have been responsible for the killing of a Vikings leader and still run a business in a community largely controlled by the rival group. They further accused a local politician identified as Victor of backing and arming the Vikings, which they say has emboldened the group in recent months.
Residents who knew Emmanuel maintained that he was not a cultist and was most likely killed by mistake or because he might have identified the assailants during the attack.
Confirming the incident, the Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Joshua Ukandu, stated that the police are investigating the killings to uncover the cause of the violence and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The tragic event has once again raised concerns over the resurgence of cult-related violence in Ebonyi State, particularly in the Ezza North axis, where several communities have witnessed similar clashes in recent times.
Stay updated with Ebonyi News Network for real-time reports, in-depth analysis, and exclusive coverage of policies shaping Ebonyi State.
