At least eight people were killed in an inter-cult clash in the Awarra and Ochia communities of Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area in Imo State.
A community leader who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity on Thursday criticised the state government for failing to provide security to prevent the cultists from causing harm.
He said, “Eight people have so far been killed in this clash by the cultists here. Out of the eight lives reported dead in the past weeks, five were members of the cult groups, while three community members slumped and died when they heard the sound of the guns. One person who was abducted has yet to be seen.”
He urged the Nigeria Police and the Imo State Government to intervene and ensure that individuals who fled to nearby areas for fear of being killed returned home.
“Our people have become displaced and taken refuge in churches in neighbouring communities like Assa, Obile, Obosima, and Umuokanne, and they’re dying because they have no food and no access to their homes and farmlands. Imagine people living outside their homes in this economic hardship.”
“To ensure that peace returns to the areas, the communities of Awara and Ochia have constituted a committee to come out with measures to restore peace.”
However, he expressed hope that the committee would do a good job in the restoration of lasting peace in the area, saying, “We need peace to return to our communities so that people can lead their normal lives.”
A youth leader, who requested anonymity due to security concerns, told reporters that the conflict was a power struggle between competing groups over control of proceeds from oil companies operating in the villages.
He said, “It is a battle by two groups over who will control the proceeds of the money that come to Awarra and Ochia communities by the oil companies that operate there. One group is controlled by a man called Acid, while the other is led by Achis, seeking to dislodge it.”
He stated that four people had been murdered in the cult clashes, but added that normalcy had been restored thanks to the government’s participation.
When asked for his comment, Imo State Police Public Relations Officer Henry Okoye stated that security authorities had received complaints regarding attacks by some criminal elements in the communities.
“The police have been doing a lot to restore peace in Ohaji. The Commissioner of Police has engaged in a series of meetings with stakeholders in Ohaji. We, in collaboration with other security personnel, have enhanced security strategy.
“Ohaji’s security also lies with the people of the area because there’s no way we can actually get it right without the maximum cooperation of people.”
“The Commissioner of Police has personally visited Ohaji. The cooperation with the stakeholders is yielding results because we have made several arrests. The security of Ohaji has improved since the current police boss came. We are doing everything possible to restore peace and order in the area.”
