As a result of clashes between rival cult groups, three people were shot dead, while five others were injured. Those who were killed in the attacks include a beer parlour owner, Amaechi Ude, Sunday Onwe of Ohaukwu local government area of Ebonyi state, and a staff of Federal Teaching Hospital in Abakaliki, whose name could not be immediately ascertained.
Premium Times reports that a 25-year-old Ude was murdered in his beer parlour at Isiuke Lane, off Norom Street Abakaliki, while Onwe was shot dead at a drinking joint called Yori Yori, located close to Ebonyi State School of Health Technology.
The third victim was reportedly attacked at the Abakaliki Township Stadium, where he went to play football.
According to sources familiar with the development, the incidents happened simultaneously at different locations.
Speaking with journalists, a witness said that Ude was sitting in his bar around 7pm when two 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,” he said.
On the same night, the gunmen invaded the Yori Yori joint, where Onwe was at a birthday party with his friends. Witnesses said that the cultists shot the man on his chest and he died on the spot.
Confirming Onwe’s killing, Clement Odaah, the chairman of Ohaukwu local government area, said that 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.
Meanwhile, George Okafor, the spokesman of the police in the state, confirmed the killing of Ude, saying the police received a distress call from the family of the deceased. He stressed that police officers were making efforts to trace the gunmen and bring them to book.
