BY CHIDI NKWOPARA, OWERRI

The sleepy rural community of Obiakpu Egbema in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State, is again in the news. It is not that an indigene of the community has made any breakthrough in science and technology. The community is in the news because dare devil cultists have forced the hapless people to hurriedly  desert the town following the deadly clashes of two rival cult groups, Degbam and Dewell.

Vanguard Metro, VM, gathered that as at the last count, about 21 people have been sent to their early grave. Those reportedly killed included Chief Emmanuel Opara, while property worth millions of Naira have were destroyed during the deadly clash.

Our reporter, who made a spirited attempt to reach Obiakpu, was advised at Nmahu, Egbema, by some concerned escapees from the deserted community, to abort the trip.

“We are indigenes of Obiakpu. We are only taking refuge in Nmahu. Please, don’t attempt going to Obiakpu. The community is very hot and dangerous for you to visit now,” they almost chorused in unison.

According to one of the escapees, who simply identified herself as Nkechi: “Obiakpu is now a ghost town. The clash has left sorrow, tears and blood on its trail. The cultists are very deadly and they unleash mindless mayhem on innocent people”.

She recalled that signs of the current clash reared its ugly head on June 7, 2014, when dare-devil cultists, who were dressed in army uniform, invaded Nwari village in broad daylight.

“Again, about 6am, June 13, 2014, a faction of the cult group invaded Obiakpu with sophisticated weapons, shooting, killing and maiming innocent people,” Nkechi said.

Another refugee from Obiakpu, who spoke on strict anonymity for security reasons, recalled with grief thus: “Despite the fact that most of the protagonists and perpetrators of the cult war were known persons, nobody has been arrested to answer for their crimes”.

It was his considered opinion that the rival cult groups are on the sponsorship and payroll of some supposed prominent personalities in the community, who arm them with varying types of weapons of war.

Meanwhile, the state government says it has not only declared total war against cultism, but has equally set up anti-cult task force, as one of te measures to stem cult activities in the state.

Governor Rochas Okorocha disclosed this during a meeting he held in Government House, Owerri, with the people of Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of the state.

Governor Okorocha, who stated that the task force will comprise the Army, Police, Department of State Security, DSS, and the Imo Security Network, regretted the spate of killings by suspected cult groups at Ohaji/Egbema local council area. He directed the members of the yet-to-be established task force to shoot at sight all cult members as well as discover and move into their den immediately for necessary action.

Okorocha equally directed immediate deployment of 18 men of Imo Security Network to the troubled area, and approved the release of Hilux vans for the police, 40 motorcycles for the local vigilante, as well as other logistics to ensure smooth operation for the group.

Governor Okorocha, who empathised with the family members of the victims, gave them financial support to alleviate their pains.  He charged the youths to beware of those he tagged “evil men”, who will incite and use them for criminal activities and also enjoined parents to warn their children against engaging in cultism and other vices.

He further urged the communities to give the task force the necessary cooperation they need, pointing out that they should divulge all necessary information to the police for optimal operation.

Earlier in his speech, the President General of Obiakpu Community, Prince Ogwumaru Joseph, who spoke on behalf of his community, stated that the problem in their area was as a result of cult clash between two rival groups, “Day-Gbam” and “Day-Well”, which led to sporadic shootings and selective killings by the cultists.

“About 21 youths have been killed by this cult action while the communities are now living in fear and sleepless nights.  We plead with the state government to  quickly intervene in the matter to avert more loss of precious lives”, Ogwumaru pleaded.

Giving his own account of the damnable incident, the traditional ruler of Mmahu, Eze Augustine Iwueke, revealed that the warring cult members live and operate from the bush and have even threatened to kill more people.

The royal father further revealed that the communities worst hit by this deadly clash are Obiakpu and Abacheke, while neighbouring communities are also affected.

Speaking also, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in-charge of Egbema, Mr. Enihe Paul, disclosed that “about 12 suspected cult members are already cooling their heels in police net”, and requested for government’s assistance in the fight against the cultists.