A man claiming to be from the same community as late Ozor Chibuike Chukwuka, at whose funeral ceremony a bloodbath led to the death of 20 others, has said Ozor’s family was forewarned not to hold an elaborate burial for him.
The man, identified as Godwin Okpala, who claims to be from Ebenebe, in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, like Ozor, wrote on social media, “This is the man, Ozor Chibuike Chukwuka, that brought about the killing of over 20 persons in his burial.
“He is from my town. He was a member of a strong cult, he was feared by all, and very dangerous. He was even among those that led gangs to kiII police, burnt their stations, and carted their guns away.
“Many of our people were hailing him, then later he died by the sword, he was shot dead in December, and his rival gangs warned that he should not be given a proper burial. They warned that if they do, many heads will fall, and it did fall.
“They (rival cult) carried out their threat. And now many innocent people that knew nothing were among the dead. My own cousin was among the dead. Very bad day in Ebenebe.”
The Anambra State Police Command said it has deployed men of the command in various tactical units to Ebenebe, to secure the people, and vowed that those who unleashed the mayhem led to the killings would be hunted down.
The state police spokesman, Ikenga Tochukwu, was quoted to have said in a statement, “We received from concerned citizens about the mayhem unleashed by rival cultists at the burial of a notorious cultist known as Ozo in Ebenebe, Awka North LGA.
“Although no notification was given to the Police about the planned burial, the commissioner of police immediately drafted Police Tactical Teams led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police to the town to protect the people against the rampaging cultists.
“On-the-spot assessment indicated that not less than five suspected cultists were killed in cold blood. Some of the corpses had been removed by their relations.
“The Commissioner of Police is miffed at the cold-heartedness of criminal elements in the society who have no regard for the sanctity of life of their fellow citizens. The police implore the good citizens of the state to continue to support the Command with timely information to enable it provide quality security for all residents and visitors alike.”