Suspected cultists killed eight people in Enugu state

      Residents of Abakpa- Nike and environs in the Enugu State capital were on Wednesday terrified by suspected cultists who killed no fewer than eight persons at different spots in the suburb.

     Though the state police command said two deaths were recorded, residents of the area gave the number as eight, adding that the number may even be more.

     Gunmen had besieged the populous suburb and reportedly opened

fire on traders at Afia four in Ogwuagor Abakpa-Nike area. Eyewitness said the incident took place around 5.00pm at the market in a commando style and traders were shot on target.

     A trader, who said he escaped death by the whisker, lamented that his colleague died during the attack.

    “I was discussing with my neighbour, a cobbler, when suddenly we heard gunshots, I quickly ran into my shop; after the gunshot had stopped, I came out and saw my friend lying lifeless in the pool of his own blood.

    “Apart from him, I also counted two other dead bodies within our axis, a young lady and a married woman. “Others were also killed in parts of the market,” said a market source.

     Another eye witness also disclosed that a woman who was driving to the market was shot inside her vehicle. The police, however, put the number of the dead at two, and casualty figure at five.State Police Public Relations Office, Ebere Amaraizu, said four suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.

     Amaraizu confirmed the attack but said two persons died, while five were injured. He said: “The arrested persons are Peter Nwankwo, Udeh Chimezie, Osita Onyia and one Chief Frank Eze.

   “One Sunday Eze and Nebechi Mba, reportedly killed in the incident, have been deposited at the mortuary of the Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu. Those injured; Uwadiegwu Onyegwu, Anayo Ifeji, Ani Basil, Hycienth Ugwu and Ozioma Ezekwem, were said to be receiving treatment in a nearby hospital.
  “Investigation into the incident has commenced to ascertain the root cause and those arrested are now helping the police. “State Commissioner of Police, Abubakar Adamu Mohammed, has urged members of the public to be law abiding and go about their lawful businesses as security have been beefed up in the area to forestall further breakdown of law and order,” Amaraizu added