Armed men suspected to be members of a secret cult on Saturday invaded a burial ceremony in Ebenebe community in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, killing about 20 persons.
This took place at the burial of a suspected leader of a cult group named Ozo, and while the corpse of Ozo was lying in state in his compound, some suspected cultists arrive at the scene and sacked mourners, shooting at mourners.
A video from the scene which since gone viral showed several persons lying in the pool of their blood, while the corpse was desecrated, with its coffin lying far apart, the corpse. The video was seen with members of the community wailing, while corpses littered the burial compound.
Reacting, the Anambra State Police command has confirmed the incident, saying that it was a case of cult rivalry.
According to the Command’s spokeperson, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga, he said: “Yes, this morning, there was an incident at Ebenebe. A burial was going on, when some people suspected to be cultists invaded the area and started shooting.
“I do not have details of casualties now, but I will keep you informed once the picture becomes clear.
“For now, the State Commissioner of police, CP Echeng Echeng has despatched tactical squads comprising of various units to the area to maintain calm,” he stated.