Suspected cultists kill Anambra man, police begin probe.

Some yet-to-be-identified hoodlums suspected to be cultists have stabbed and butchered a man believed to be mentally ill in Awka, the Anambra State capital.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the incident happened on Sunday while the victim was sitting at his usual base at the Dike Park, near Zik Avenue, when the suspected cultists invaded the place.

An eyewitness in the area said the suspected cultists shot the man before using sharp objects to stab and dismember him.

There were, however, disagreements among residents over the victim’s true state of health with some saying he was mentally ill while others disagreed.

Contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the killing, adding that the Divisional Police Officer of Central Police Station in Awka deployed men to forestall further breakdown of law and order in the area.

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.”

There have been rising cases of cult-related killings among various rival groups in the state, especially in Awka and its environs.

As a result, the state Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye, had recently declared a showdown on the cultists and threatened to go after them and their sponsors if they continue.

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