Suspected Cultists Invade Burial In Anambra, Kill 20

In an attack on a funeral event in Ebenebe, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State on Saturday, armed men suspected to be members of a secret cult killed at least 20 people.

It was gathered that the funeral was for a suspected cult leader named Ozo, and that while the body of Ozo was lying in state in his compound, a group of suspected cultists arrived and sacked mourners before opening fire on the crowd.

As reported by the Daily Post, a source said: “My sister was supposed to be at the burial. She and her friends had already prepared to leave Awka for Ebenebe, but the vehicle they booked to take them disappointed them.

“She and her friends were so unhappy, and they decided to go in search of another vehicle that can take them. It was in the course of going to the burial that they received a phone call that everybody at the burial had been dispersed by some gunmen.

“She also got a video from the scene, which showed several persons lying in pools of blood dead, while the corpse was desecrated, with the coffin lying far apart, while the corpse was sprawled on the ground.”

The online news platform said it saw the video, with members of the community wailing, while corpses littered the compound.

The Anambra State Police command has confirmed the incident, saying that it was a case of cult rivalry.

DSP Tochukwu Ikenga said: “Yes, this morning (Saturday), there was an incident at Ebenebe. A burial was going on, when some people suspected to be cultists invaded the area and started shooting.

“I do not have details of casualties now, but I will keep you informed once the picture becomes clear.

“For now, the Commissioner of Police, CP Echeng Echeng has despatch tactical squads comprising of various units to the area to maintain calm,” he said.