By Nosa Akenzua, Asaba
There was palpable tension and fear of the unknown in early hours of Tuesday in Tuomo Community, Burutu Area Council of Delta State following the alleged killing of one Markali Ziakede an indigene of the community by suspected cultists.
They said Ziakede was alleged to have been shot dead by members of a popular cult group in the community identified as Vickings confraternity during its rampaging warfare with rival cult group.
Police Commissioner in the state, Adeyinka Adeleke who confirmed the incident, said that the police have mobilized to the community, adding that though no arrest has been made, assured of the police continued protection of lives and properties in the community.
Residents of the community via a press release signed by one of the leaders, Chief Akpola Ekperi,stated that the community has been under siege by cult groups who fled from other communities to Join the existing groups in the community.
Part of the statement made available to journalists in Asaba reads, “ We now sleep with our two eyes open as a result of sporadic shootings by the cult groups on daily basis and in the early hours a young man Identified as Ziakede Markali was shot dead on his way home from his place of work. There is panic in the community and we need government’s intervention without any further delay because the situation might get out of hand.”
The residents therefore appealed to the state governor,Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and the Council boss Goodness Angele to as a matter of urgency intervene and save their lives from the rampaging cultists. .
