Tragedy struck Ogidi community on Wednesday night following a deadly attack that claimed the lives of the President General of the town, Chief Ikwuka Okoye, and another man whose identity had yet to be confirmed as of press time.
The attack has been attributed to suspected members of the Aye (Neo Black Movement, NBM) cult group and is believed to be connected to the recent death of one Emma Amasco, an alleged NBM hit squad leader.
According to community and security sources, Amasco died after he was arrested by local security operatives during an alleged theft operation. Prior to the attack in Ogidi, threats were reportedly issued by suspected NBM members who accused Chief Okoye and some security personnel of being complicit in Amasco’s arrest and eventual death.
Authorities and community leaders have, however, dismissed claims linking Amasco’s death to the rival Vikings (DNKI) cult group. They maintained that his death resulted solely from actions taken by local security operatives in the course of their duty.
Sources disclosed that Amasco was arrested while attempting to steal at a residential complex, following earlier theft incidents involving mobile phones reportedly worth millions of naira. During interrogation, he allegedly confessed to involvement in multiple killings across different locations. He was said to have been shot in the leg during the arrest and later succumbed to his injuries.
Community members described Chief Okoye as a law-abiding leader and stressed that he was not a cultist. His killing has thrown Ogidi into mourning and heightened fear among residents.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high in the area, with reports of increasing threats against security operatives. The latest incident has further raised concerns over the resurgence of cult-related violence and the deteriorating security situation in parts of Anambra State.
Security agencies are yet to issue an official statement, but investigations into the killings are ongoing. Residents have called on the state government and security authorities to urgently restore calm and bring those responsible to justice.
