Violence erupted in the Awarra and Ochia communities of Ohaji/Egbema local government area, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals amid ongoing cult clashes.
According to a community leader, “Eight persons have so far been killed in this clash by the cultists here. Out of the eight lives reported dead, five were members of the cult groups, while three community members slumped and died when they heard the sound of the guns. One person who was abducted is yet to be seen.”
In the wake of the violence, many residents have fled to neighboring communities out of fear for their safety. The community leader urged immediate intervention from the police and the Imo State Government to facilitate the safe return of displaced residents.
“Our people have become displaced and taken refuge in churches in neighboring communities like Assa, Obile, Obosima, and Umuokanne, and they’re dying because they have no food, no access to their homes and farmlands. Imagine people living outside their homes in this economic hardship,” he lamented.
To address the ongoing crisis, a committee has been formed in both Awarra and Ochia to develop strategies for restoring peace. The community leader expressed hope for the committee’s success, stating, “We need peace to return to our communities so that people can live normal lives.”
Imo State Police Public Relations Officer Henry Okoye confirmed that security agencies have been responding to increasing complaints about criminal activities in the area.
“The police have been doing a lot to restore peace in Ohaji. The Commissioner of Police has engaged in a series of meetings with stakeholders of Ohaji. The police, in collaboration with other security agencies, have enhanced security strategy.”
Okoye emphasized the importance of community cooperation in restoring order. “Ohaji’s security also lies with the people of the area because there’s no way we can actually get it right without the maximum cooperation from the people.”
He further noted that the Commissioner of Police has personally visited Ohaji, and the collaboration with local stakeholders is yielding positive results.
“We have made several arrests. The security of Ohaji has improved since the current police boss came. We are doing everything possible to restore peace and order in the vicinity.”
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A youth leader, who requested anonymity, shed light on the underlying causes of the conflict, describing it as a battle for supremacy between rival cult groups.
“It is a battle by two groups over who will control the proceeds of the money that comes to Awarra and Ochia communities from the oil companies that operate there. One group is controlled by a man called Acid while the other is led by Achis, seeking to dislodge each other,” he explained.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the violence, the need for effective intervention and lasting peace remains critical to the well-being of the residents.