Yet-to-be-identified hoodlums, suspected to be cultists, brutally stabbed and butchered a man to death on Sunday.
The victim, described as “mentally challenged,” met a gruesome end while seated at his usual spot in Dike Park, near Zik Avenue, when the assailants launched their deadly attack.
Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the assailants opened fire on the man, but the bullets failed to penetrate.
Subsequently, they resorted to using various sharp objects to stab and dismember parts of his body. Stones were also used in the attack, ultimately leading to his tragic death.
The motive behind this gruesome act remains unclear.
However, there are suggestions that the victim’s prior involvement in cult-related activities may have been a contributing factor, even though he had recently been struggling with mental illness.
Debate surrounds the victim’s mental health status, with some local residents disputing his supposed mental challenges. According to some witnesses, the victim had a habit of consuming his excreta when he stayed at his usual spot.
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One of the sources said, “The suspected cultists fired many bullets at him, but the bullets did not penetrate. They resorted to stabbing and using all manner of sharp objects on him and even stoning him until he died.
“He used to be a member of a cult before he became mentally ill recently. No one knows what caused it, but you know these cultists, once you are committed, you are committed, and they must come for you.”
There have been rising cases of cult-related killings among various rival groups over the years, especially in Awka and environs.
As a result, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Aderemi Adeoye, had recently declared a showdown on the cultists and threatened to go after them and their sponsors if they continue.
The state police spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, when contacted, confirmed the killing of the man, adding that the Divisional Police Officer of Central Police Station in Awka deployed men promptly to the scene to forestall further breakdown of law and order.
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Ikenga said, “The DPO immediately swung into action, retrieved the corpse, and deposited it in a morgue.
“I cannot confirm that the man was mad, but when the family comes for the corpse, we will be able to ascertain the mental health of the deceased.
“For now, police are liaising with eyewitnesses to ensure that the perpetrators are tracked and arrested.”
