Tension in Imo community as mob lynches suspected cultist for stabbing mechanic to deat

Apprehension gripped Umuonyeashi, Nsokpo Ogbaku in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, on Friday morning when a suspected cultist, Chima, also known as Jasper, reportedly stabbed a mechanic Chigozie Anumwee to death over a minor quarrel.

Jasper, who hails from Amakohia Ubi in Owerri West LGA but lives in his maternal home, was allegedly stoned to death by an angry crowd after reportedly stabbing Anumwee to death.

It was gathered that the tragedy occurred at about 11am yesterday at Umuonyeashi, Nsokpo Ogbaku, and the people of the community retaliated almost immediately and stoned Jasper to death.

A community source, who pleaded anonymity, said Jasper stabbed the deceased from Lawa in Isi-Ogbaku autonomous community in the lower abdomen after a little quarrel ensued between them.

He said the young man attempted to run but was apprehended by the mob when they realized the victim had died, beating him and stoning him to death.

Confirming the incident, the Secretary of Ogbaku Youth Association, Justice Chukwunatu Nwafor, said the matter had been reported to the police at Ogbaku Police Division and that normalcy has been restored in the area.

He described the incident as “the height of barbarism at this time and age”.

When reached, Henry Okoye, spokesman for the Imo State Police Command, said that he had not yet received a briefing on the matter, promising to inform our correspondent once briefed.