A war between two rival cult gangs in Mmaahu Community of Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area, Imo State, has left at least 7 people dead.

The state police spokesperson, CSP Mike Abattam said the war is between De-Gbam and De-Well cult groups.

Abattam said 20 armed men led by one Ossy with their faces masked on 08/02/2022, invaded the community around 10pm and went to the house of the victims and shot them dead.

The victims have been identified as Charles Mgbarahor, Funky Anane, Charity Nwachukwu, Edeme Okoro, Isaac Ojenya , Ndubuisi Nwabusi, and Junior Ifeyinwoke.

Upon being alerted, the Divisional Police Officer mobilized his men and other patrol teams to the area, but the gunmen had already left. 

“Ossy” is said to have escaped from Imo Correctional Centre Owerri and is suspected to belong to a cult group known as “De- Gbam”, while the people killed are suspected to belong to another cult group known as “De- Well”.

Abattam said the command had deployed additional tactical units to the community to support the operation of the Egbema Police Division and Area Command to forestall a repraisal.