Two killed, one arrested after cult clash in Anambra

Police operatives in Anambra State have confirmed the arrest of a suspected member of the Black Axe cult group shortly after a violent shootout with the rival Eiye Confraternity.

According to a police source, the deadly clash took place in Nkwelle-Ezunaka, a community in Oyi Local Government Area.

The confrontation reportedly stemmed from a long-standing conflict between the two cult groups, which authorities fear is growing beyond government control. Two people were killed during the clash, while several others sustained injuries.

The arrested suspect, whose name was withheld, confessed to being a member of the Black Axe. During police questioning, he admitted to his involvement in several violent encounters with the Eiye group.

He also gave a confessional statement, revealing the identities of some fellow Black Axe members.

During interrogation, the suspect, who was shot in his ankle by the rival group during their clash, was forced to disclose the names of some of their cult members as Simon Mmadukwe, Nwachukwu Oluebube Emmanuel, Somto Ikpe, Jude Nwali, Ifeanyi Uzor, Chibuzor Obineke and others, adding that the Eiye rival group had vowed to sustain the tempo of bloody clashes until members of the Black Axe are completely wiped out of existence.

He said following such a vow, some of their members have, out of fear of losing their lives, left Anambra state and relocated to other parts of Nigeria and even to Africa and Europe for the safety of their lives, particularly those who were either forced to join the cult group and those who are not yet bonafide members.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochuckwu Ikenga, told newsmen on the phone that he was not yet aware of the incident and promised to make necessary inquiries and get back to journalists. However, a superior police officer who preferred anonymity confirmed the incident, adding that the ugly development has imposed fears among innocent citizens in the area as they now scamper for safety at the slightest scenario.

The anonymous officer, however, noted that the police were on top of the situation as they were intensifying efforts to apprehend both members of the cult groups involved in the clashes for prosecution.