Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Two young men were reportedly killed on Saturday night in Oriuzor community, Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, in a suspected cult-related attack allegedly carried out by members of a rival group.
Sources in the area said the assailants, believed to be members of the Vikings confraternity, stormed the community and fatally attacked two men identified as Ifeanyi and Emmanuel.
Ifeanyi, a barber and alleged member of the Neo Black Movement (NBM), also known as Aye, was said to have been the main target.
It was gathered that his attackers had allegedly been trailing him for some time over his suspected role in the killing of a senior Vikings leader — an incident believed to have sparked the reprisal.
However, confusion surrounds the killing of the second victim, Emmanuel, whom locals described as a tricycle operator and not a cultist.
Community sources said Emmanuel may have been a victim of circumstance, having stopped by the barbershop to get a haircut when the attackers struck.
Residents lamented the growing spate of cult-related violence in the area and urged the government and security agencies to take urgent action.
Confirming the incident on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state gave the names of the victims as Ogele Ifeanyi, the barber who was killed at his shop, and Nweke Obumneme Emmanuel, a tricycle operator.
“The incident occurred on November 1, 2025, around 10 p.m. The command is investigating the incident,” he said.
