By: Tochi Onyeubi
Students and members of the Nekede community are now living in perpetual fear following the deadly activities of two rival cult gangs, the Neo Black Movement (Ayes) and the Vikings Confraternity, which has claimed the lives of no fewer than 15 young men, leaving a resident dead, by stray bullet.
A source who doesn’t want his name in print revealed that, trouble began following the death of a supposedly member of the gang and salon owner at Umuerim Junction by a rival gang. This led to reprisal attacks leaving about 11 Ayes and four vikings dead.
It was also reported that killings have taken place at South Africa, a densely student populated area, near Polytechnic’s back gate, Assemblies junction, Umuoma and Basic bus stop all in Nekede.
In horrible pictures posted online, one of the cultist who was shot in the leg and brutally macheted all over his body was left to die in the pool of his blood.
Speaking with a member of the community who pleaded anonymity, he said the area is now unsafe as security of lives and properties was no longer guaranteed. He recounted how a family man (name witheld), was gunned down last week by stray bullet while he went in search of what he’s family will eat for dinner.
He informed that the Nekede Divisional Police Officer, had earlier cautioned youths of the area against cultism and other social vices warning that, whoever is apprehended, will face the music, but to his amazement the issue has continued raging on.
He appealed for the timely intervention of the Commissioner of Police, CP Galandanchi drawing his attention to major areas like Umuoma, Umuofocha that has had worst hit, further informing that, okada riders are not left out as many of them harbour dangerous weapons and ammunitions.
Students who spoke to Trumpeta said they are living in fear of the unknown while also stating that, the school authorities has assured them of safety, security of lives and properties.
Speaking to the Registrar of the school, Mr. Iloma Mathew Aligbe who informed that, non of the killings happened in the school compound and those allegedly killed were not students of Nekede Polytechnic.
He said the school authorities feel concerned in the spate of all these killings because their students live in those areas mentioned. While he called on the Commissioner of Police for intervention in those core communities, according to him, efforts have been made by the school authorities to beef up security in the school to ensure students are safe.
