In a tragic incident that shook Awka market on Wednesday morning July 26, 2023, a man identified as Igwe Omeli, one of the leaders of the Aye cult group, was brutally shot dead and beheaded during a clash between rival cult factions vying for supremacy in the market.
According to eyewitnesses, the violent confrontation was a manifestation of the ongoing power struggle between the Baga and Aye cult groups, both of which sought control over the popular market.
As the groups engaged in the deadly battle, panic spread among the market-goers, and traders hurriedly sought safety as the situation escalated.
Sources within the market, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, revealed that the deceased, Igwe Omeli, had been known for forcefully imposing certain rules and regulations, including levies, upon the traders.
He was allegedly instrumental in enforcing the agendas of the Aye cult group, often using intimidation to ensure compliance.
The tragic event unfolded when members of the Baga cult group pursued Igwe Omeli, who sought refuge within the market, attempting to gather his own group members to defend him. However, before his followers could respond to the distress call, the rival cult members caught up with him.
In a grisly act of violence, the assailants not only shot him dead but also beheaded him and severed his manhood using butcher’s knives.
“The clash is related to market politics, but the man killed was the person they always used in terrorising us to comply with certain agendas. Any time the leaders want to enforce any agenda, he is the person and others they used,” the anonymous source stated.
“The Baga cult group members were pursuing Omeli and he ran into the market to mobilise his boys to rescue him unfortunately for him before his boys could get the information, they killed him and beheaded him and cut his male organ.
“He was killed inside the market at the abattoir area and the cult members cut his head and male organ with the butcher’s knives. Further bloodshed was averted as the members of the rival cult group had fled before the deceased group members arrive at the scene.”
The Anambra State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, confirmed the incident, assuring the public that the police were actively investigating the matter.