Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
There was fear and apprehension around Eke Awka, a popular market in Awka, Anambra State capital, over the gruesome murder of a trader by persons believed to be members of a cult group in the area.
The incident happened in the morning as traders were opening their shops for the days business, a source said.
A source said the slain man identified as Igwe Omeli, was a notorious cultist, who was always used by the leadership of the market to collect toll.
“He was hacked down in the market, around 7am. He sighted members of the rival cult, and made efforts to escape and also alert his gang members, but he was not lucky.
“His head was cut off, including his manhood, and his assailants took them away, leaving the trunk lying inside a line in the market.
“His real name is Amobi. There was a time he was brutally attacked and dumped for dead.
“Since then he has been in hiding. He even ran away from the hospital where he was being treated. He sneaks in and out of his family house.
“Later on, he was engaged by one vigilante outfit. Once a cultist, you must go down. One thing people must know is that cultists don’t forgive. Even when you repent, they will still come for you,” the source said.
Spokesperson for Anambra State Police Command, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, confirmed the incident, saying that operatives of the command have been despatched to the scene.
Following the incident, it was learnt that traders who had come out for the day’s businesses hurriedly shut down their shops, for fear of reprisals.
