Suspected cult members ‘kill’ 15 in Imo

There was confusion yesterday in Owerri, the Imo State capital, as suspected cult members killed over 15 people in broad daylight.* The suspected cult members, who were armed, according to an eyewitness, trailed their victims to parts of the city where they were gunned down or killed with axe.* The source said trouble began after a member of the Black Axe confraternity was allegedly killed by members of a rival cult group, the Buccaneers, who ambushed him in one of the popular hotels in Owerri.* He added: “The cult group, which lost its member, traced his suspected killers to Ekeonunwa market where about five people were killed in the presence of traders, who abandoned their goods.”* In another part of the city, the suspected cult members shot a man, who had just married. They cut him into pieces before they were driven away by armed policemen, who engaged them in a gun duel, which lasted for hours.* Police spokesman Andrew Enwerem said the number of casualties was yet to be confirmed.* He, however, said eight suspects have been arrested, adding that investigations are ongoing to nab others.