On Wednesday, the Ebonyi State Police Command verified the deaths of three individuals in cult-related clashes in Oriuzor community, Ezza North Local Government Area of the state.
The Police spokesperson, DSP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the development while speaking with Daily Post, noting that the situation has been brought under control.
He said, “I know we had an issue of cult clashes in Oriuzor and some persons were killed, but with regard to arrest of some persons, I would like to call the team.
“We immediately deployed a team of policemen to Oriuzor community to calm the situation there.
“Our team of police officers are already on ground in the community. At least, you can confirm that the situation is now calm.
“The fact remains that we deployed police officers there immediately the information got to us and that calm and normalcy has returned to the area.”
Meanwhile, a source in the community, who did not wish to be named, told DAILY POST that rival cult groups are engaged in a supremacy battle in the community.
“I am from Oriuzor community, it is too bad that small boys are now cult members. Three persons were killed yesterday, and today, one person was killed. They injured some persons with their axe.
“Bad people are now using the situation to steal loot other people’s properties. I tell you, the level of looting of properties is now very high in that area,” the source said.
When contacted, the Chairman of Ezza North LGA, Moses Ogodo-Ali, said: “Cultism is a global thing, and when a cult matter is in place, you don’t need to provoke it. We are working on how to calm the situation down.”