ABAKALIKI — Two people have been killed in Oriuzor, Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, following a violent clash between rival cult groups.
The victims were identified as Ogele Ifeanyi, a local barber, and Nweke Obumneme Emmanuel, a tricycle (keke) rider who had stopped by the barbershop for a haircut when the attack happened.
According to community sources, the killings were a reprisal attack linked to an earlier murder involving members of rival cults. Members of the DNKI (Vikings) were said to have launched the assault, allegedly targeting Ifeanyi, who was believed to belong to the NBM (Aye) group.
Witnesses said the attackers claimed they had been tracking Ifeanyi for his alleged role in the death of a Vikings leader. However, members of the NBM denied the accusation, insisting that Ifeanyi could not have killed a Vikings leader and still operate freely in Oriuzor — a community dominated by Vikings members.
They also accused a local politician, identified only as Victor, of empowering and protecting the Vikings, which they say has encouraged their violent activities in the area.
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Community members described Emmanuel as an innocent victim who had no cult ties, saying he was likely killed either by mistake or because he recognised some of the assailants.
The Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the incident and the identities of the victims. He said an investigation has been launched to uncover the full details of the attack and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
