Three killed, five injured in Ebonyi cult clashes

Three persons ​were shot dead on Sunday, while five others were injured when suspected cultists unleashed terror in Ebonyi State, shooting at different locations.

Residents said the attack took place as rival cult groups clashed.

Those killed in the coordinated attacks include a 35-year-old be​e​r parlour owner, Amaechi Ude; Sunday Onwe of Ohaukwu local government area of Ebonyi State; and a staff of Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, whose name could not be immediately ascertained.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that Mr. Ude was killed in his be​er parlour at Isiuke Lane, off Norom Street Abakaliki, while Mr. Onwe was shot at a drinking joint called Yori Yori, located close to Ebonyi State School of Health Technology.

The third victim, our reporter gathered, was shot three times on the head at the Abakaliki Township Stadium, where he went to play football.

Sources said the incidents happened simultaneously at different locations.

Our reporter gathered that Mr. Ude was sitting in his bar around 7pm when two unidentified gunmen on a motor bike shot him.

“The incident forced customers who were already having their good time in the bar to flee, while the victim was rushed to hospital where he was confirmed dead,” said a witness.

According to the witness, Mr. Onwe was at a birthday party with his friends at the Yori Yori joint when the gunmen invaded the area and shot him on the chest. They said he died on the spot.

The chairman of Ohaukwu local government area, Clement Odaah, confirmed the killing of Mr. Onwe, and said he had reported the matter to the police.

“The police are already investigating the matter and some persons have been arrested in connection to the killing.

“More persons will be arrested, and I am assuring the people that all the perpetrators will be brought to book,” he said.

Police spokesman in the state, George Okafor, confirmed the killing of Mr. Ude, saying the police received a distress call from the deceased family.

Mr. Okafor, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, said policemen were sent to the scene, but before they could get there, the hoodlums fled.

He said the state police command was making efforts to trace the gunmen.

                                                                                                            Culled from Premium Times;