Tension remains high in Anambra State after police apprehended a suspected member of the Black Axe secret cult who confessed that fear of violent retaliation from the rival Eiye Confraternity has driven many of his fellow cultists to flee the country. According to his statement, members have scattered across Nigeria, other African nations, and Europe in a bid to escape the wave of deadly confrontations that has taken over the region.
The suspect was captured at Nkwelle-Ezunaka in Oyi Local Government Area following a gun battle with members of the Eiye group. The clash reportedly left two people dead and several others injured, including the suspect himself who sustained a gunshot wound to the ankle. His arrest came after police intervened in what has become an increasingly violent rivalry between the two cult groups, a feud that has spiraled dangerously close to overwhelming the community.
During interrogation, the arrested cultist disclosed the names of other members believed to be involved, identifying individuals such as Mmadukwe, Oluebube, Ikpe, Nwali, Uzor, and Obineke. He said the Eiye group had declared an unrelenting war, determined to eliminate every member of the Black Axe. This declaration, he claimed, triggered widespread panic among members, especially those who were either coerced into joining or had yet to become fully initiated. Many of these individuals, he said, saw no other option than to abandon Anambra altogether.
He emphasized that the threat was so severe that those fleeing didn’t just relocate to neighboring towns or states. Several left the country entirely, seeking refuge in other African countries and even as far as Europe to ensure their safety. His testimony paints a picture of a community on edge, caught in the crossfire of a battle between two groups determined to outdo each other in violence.
While the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochuckwu Ikenga, told reporters over the phone that he had not yet been briefed on the matter, he assured the media that investigations were underway and promised to provide more information. However, a senior police officer who spoke anonymously confirmed the incident. He described the situation as disturbing, adding that the fear generated by the cult clashes has left innocent residents constantly on edge, fleeing at the slightest sign of trouble.
The officer affirmed that the police are not taking the matter lightly. He explained that aggressive efforts are ongoing to track down all individuals connected to the violence. The goal, according to him, is not only to bring those responsible to justice but also to restore a sense of peace and safety to the affected communities.
The growing influence of cultism in Anambra has long been a concern, but this latest episode underscores the urgency of the situation. As authorities continue their crackdown, locals are hoping that the tide will soon turn, bringing an end to the violence that has upended lives and driven many into hiding, both near and far.
