Police in Anambra State have arrested some top
politicians alleged to be sponsors of the unending cult-related killings in the
state.
Public Relations Officer of the state Police
Command, SP Haruna Mohammed, disclosed this on Wednesday in a statement made
available to journalists in Awka, the state capital.
Several youths have since January this year been
killed as a result of perceived leadership tussle among rival cult groups.
In May this year, no fewer than 10 members of
different cult groups were killed at different locations in Awka.
In Ogbunike two weekends ago, five boys were also
killed on the same day, while between last Saturday and Tuesday, about five
suspected cult boys have been killed by their rivals.
Haruna in the statement said: "Another
breakthrough by the state police command has been recorded as Operation Puff-Adder
operatives arrested alleged sponsors of recent cult-related killings in the
state.
According to him, "It would be recalled that
on August 10 and 11, there was a clash between two rival cult groups- Black axe
and Vikings confraternities-at Eke Awka
and Dike park all in Awka South Local Government Area of the state where
one Chinedu (alias Nambo), male, with surname yet unknown, and Uche Anarah, a
male also, were brutally murdered.
"Following the incidents, and while acting on
credible intelligence, the Command Puff-Adder operatives led by the state Commissioner
of Police, John B. Abang, had on August13 at about 4:20p.m. launched a manhunt
of the hoodlums at Dike park and Umukwa village in Awka and arrested four
suspected sponsors/members of Black Axe and Vikings confraternities."
The also allegedly named known politicians in Awka
as the sponsors, including Mr. Emeka Agumadu, popularly known as Baby Awka, who
is also the chairman of Eke Awka Market.
Agumadu is known to be a philanthropist in Awka
kingdom, and has built several houses for indigent people as well as also
gifted many cars to youths.
He is also said to have bankrolled election for
several politicians and helped them into various positions in the state.
Others named mentioned as sponsors were Prince
Collin Ozojiofor, Okechukwu Nwaneke and
Nwankwo Chukwuma, all of whom are said to be influential personalities
in Awka town.
Haruna said: "Efforts are being intensified to
track down and arrest other fleeing gang members involved in the killings after
which they would be charged to court for prosecution."
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