Suspected cultists k!ll two in Ebonyi
Gunmen have killed a tricycle rider and a barber in Oriuzor community, Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The killings are suspected to be linked to a renewed clash between rival cult groups.
According to local sources, the attackers, believed to be members of the Vikings confraternity, invaded the area on Saturday night, November 1, 2025, and fatally attacked two men identified as Ogele Ifeanyi and Nweke Emmanuel.
Ifeanyi, a barber, was reportedly the primary target and was alleged to be a member of the Neo Black Movement (NBM), also known as Aye.
It is said that his attackers had been pursuing him for some time due to his supposed involvement in the killing of a senior Vikings leader, which prompted the retaliation.
The circumstances surrounding the d3ath of the second victim, Emmanuel, remain unclear.
Locals describe him as a tricycle operator who was not involved in any cult activities. It is believed that Emmanuel may have been an innocent bystander, k!lled simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time while stopping by the barbershop for a haircut when the attack occurred.
Residents have expressed their concern over the rising trend of cult violence in the community and have called on the government and security agencies to take action.
The spokesperson of the State Police Command, Joshua Ukandu confirmed the k!llings on Monday, identifying the victims as Ogele Ifeanyi, the barber who was k!lled in his shop, and Nweke Emmanuel, the tricycle operator.
“The incident occurred on 1st November 2025 around 10pm, the command is investigating the incident,” he added.
