For the families of Late Mr. Celestine Chukwuka of Umuogbuefi village Ebenebe, in Awka North Local Government of Anambra, 26th of February was an anointed day to commit their beloved father, brother, son, husband, uncle and in-law to mother earth in concomitant with the traditions of the community.
Little did they know that that the worst of it was about to happen. Late Mr. Ozo Chubuike Joseph Chukwuka according to what News Echo gathered was murdered in cold blood on 30th December, 2021 by unknown assailants at Amansea Produce Check point. He was known as a notorious callous man and a cultist who threatened the peace and life of communities and neighborhood.
According to some of the indigenes who spoke to our Correspondent and pleaded anonymity they noted that the 34 years old Chukwuka was scheduled to be laid to rest but that fateful day being Saturday.
One of the burial mourners who witnessed the ugly incidence narrated how it all happened.
“We were at the burial place around 11:40am in the morning, listening to the sermon and getting ready to bury him when we heard gun shots, at first I thought it was vigilante men until few seconds we heard shouts and wailing and noise everywhere then I took cover”.
Shortly after the gun went on for minutes, it came to an abrupt stop and then came crying and shouting by my relatives then I went out to see what happened. Behold, some men suspected to be cult gang drove in into the arena and massacred people present.
They described him as a ‘wicked soul who destroyed so many people while he was living’.
Apparently, the warning was ignored. So when the burial ceremony was being held on Saturday, the unknown gang stormed the venue and went on a shooting spree.
Another eye witness equally gave graphic ordeal of how it all happened, “Ozor’s death was one that rang across the community, as he was feared when he was alive.
Narrating the incident, Nonso who was among those who brought in the coffin for lying in state; said “After we brought the coffin in, I went in and saw a group of people praying for his soul and noticed they were his (secret cult) members. So I went out and sat away from the scene. “Shortly after, a vehicle drove in with about six men, armed with guns and they began to shoot at everybody. We ran for our lives, but my brother was killed in the process.
Another woman, also cried when she was speaking, said; “I was very embittered because I have lost all my brothers. They have all been killed in this wicked burial. We were warned but nobody took it serious. Why didn’t they just bury him instead of this massacre? Now so many families have become bereaved and more burials will be performed. I am in pains, I am bitter”, she wailed.
Collaborating the information gathered, an indigene of Ebenebe who gave his name as Godwin Okpala asserted that ‘Ozor Chibuike Chukwuka, that brought about the killing of over 20 persons in his burial. He is from my town. He was a member of a strong cult, he was feared by all, and very dangerous, he was even among those that led the gangs that killed police, burnt their stations and carted their guns away that many of our people were hailing, then later he died by the sword, he was shot dead in December, and his rival gangs warned that he should not be giving a proper burial. They warned that if they do, many heads will fall, and it did fall”.
“They carried out their threat. And now many innocent people that knew nothing were among the dead. My own cousin was among the dead. Very bad day in Ebenebe”.
Meanwhile, no fewer than six people were injured and taken to COOUTH hospital, Amaku, Awka for treatment.
Confirming the report, Police Public Relations Officer, Anamabra State Command, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu in a press statement made available to newsmen, said on “26th February, 2022 information was received from concerned citizens about the mayhem unleashed by cultists on rival cultists at the burial of a notorious cultist known as Ozo in Ebenebe, Awka North LGA”.
“Although no notification was given to the Police about the planned burial, the Commissioner of Police immediately drafted Police Tactical Teams led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police to the town to protect the people against the rampaging cultists”.
On the spot assessment indicated that not less than five suspected cultists were killed in cold blood. Some of the corpses had been removed by their relations.
“The Commissioner of Police is miffed at the cold heartedness of criminal elements in the society who have no regard for the sanctity of life of their fellow citizens.
It must be restated that no one, no matter their grievance, has the right to take the life of another person. The perpetrators of this crime will be hunted down until they are brought to justice”.
The Commissioner of Police implores the good citizens of Anambra State to continue to support the Police Command with timely information to enable it provide quality security for all residents and visitors alike.
