Three individuals are feared dead following clashes between suspected rival cult groups in Awka, the capital of Anambra State, on Sunday. While precise casualty figures remain unclear, reports indicate that one of the attacks took place in the presence of traders at Eke Awka market.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the violence erupted when two tricycles were recklessly chasing each other along Ziks Avenue, Eke Awka, leading to one of them becoming stuck in traffic. Subsequently, individuals from the tricycles disembarked and engaged in a pursuit, firing gunshots in the process.
The pursuit continued into a mechanic workshop, where one of the individuals was dragged out and fatally shot. The incident caused widespread panic, with people fleeing in all directions to avoid the violence.
Police authorities, however, have denied any knowledge of the reported killings. SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, stated that there was no information regarding such incidents.
The recent surge in cult clashes in the area is believed to be driven by competition for control over revenue generated from tricycle and shuttle bus operators, particularly through ticket sales and emblems. This recurring issue has become a major concern for both security forces and local residents.
