On the morning of September 3, 2023, in Awka, the capital city of Anambra State, a horrifying incident unfolded as a group of alleged cult members brutally murdered and dismembered a mentally disabled man. An undisclosed source provided details to reporters, shedding light on the tragic event.
The victim, a well-known figure in the vicinity of Dike Park on Zik Avenue in Awka, was targeted by the cult members during his presence there. According to the source, the cultists initially attempted to eliminate the maniac by opening fire on him, but their shots failed to hit the intended target. Subsequently, they resorted to stabbing him with knives, but he miraculously survived their assault. Undeterred, the cultists escalated their violence, employing cutlasses and stones until the victim succumbed to his injuries, at which point they left his lifeless body at the scene.
The motive behind this gruesome attack appears to be linked to the maniac's prior actions. According to some locals, interviewed as part of the investigation, there was speculation that the deceased had been feigning insanity to garner attention. His mental health issues were compounded by the disturbing fact that he had been consuming his own excrement. Individuals who knew him before his descent into madness claimed he had ties to a cult, raising questions about the factors contributing to his mental deterioration. The consensus among some locals was that anyone who becomes involved with a cult becomes wholly committed, making it difficult to discern the exact reasons behind his descent into madness.
Although the deranged man hailed from Enugu State originally, he had taken up residence in Awka, as revealed by another informant. Some cult members even alleged that he had been one of them, citing his ruthless behavior and a history of abominable actions before his mental decline. Remarkably, his charisma, acquired during his cultist days, seemed to persist even in his madness.
The man's apparent immunity to gunfire and knives was attributed to the charm he possessed. It was noted that such charms typically deter individuals from engaging in sexual activities, explaining his celibacy despite his circumstances.
Responding to the incident, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, the Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, acknowledged the occurrence. He stated that the Awka Central Police Station's DPO had promptly dispatched officers to the location upon receiving the information. Authorities subsequently removed the man's lifeless body and transported it to the morgue. Further insight into his mental state is expected when his relatives come forward to claim his body, which may help authorities arrive at a conclusive understanding of the tragic event.