Tragedy struck Ogidi community in Idemili North Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State on Wednesday night following a deadly attack that claimed the lives of the President General of the town, Chief Ikwuka Okoye, and another man whose identity had yet to be confirmed as of press time.
Ogidi is the hometown of late renowned writer, Professor Chinua Achebe.
The attack has been attributed to suspected members of the Aye (Neo Black Movement, NBM) cult group and is believed to be connected to the recent death of one Emma Amasco, an alleged NBM hit squad leader.
According to sources, Amasco died after he was arrested by Ogidi Vigilante operatives during an alleged theft operation.
Prior to the attack in Ogidi, threats were reportedly issued by suspected NBM members who accused Chief Okoye and some security personnel of being complicit in Amasco’s arrest and eventual death.
But some stakeholders in Ogidi community have, however, dismissed claims linking Amasco’s death to the rival Vikings (DNKI) cult group. They maintained that his death resulted solely from actions taken by the Vigilante in the course of their duty.
Another Source confirmed that Amasco was arrested while attempting to steal at a residential complex, following earlier theft incidents involving mobile phones reportedly worth millions of naira. During interrogation, he allegedly confessed to involvement in multiple killings across different locations. He was said to have been shot in the leg during the arrest and later succumbed to his injuries.
Some indigenes of Ogidi have reacted to the murder of the respected president- General.
They described Chief Okoye as a law-abiding leader and stressed that he was not a cultist. His killing has thrown Ogidi into mourning and heightened fear among residents.
At the time of filling this report, the Anambra Police Command is yet to issue an official statement, but investigations into the killings are ongoing. Residents have called on the state government and security authorities to urgently restore calm and bring those responsible to justice.
Picture, stories written from Anambrapeople.com
