Hoodlums, suspected to be cultists, have stabbed and butchered a ‘mentally challenged’ man to death in Awka, Anambra State capital.
The incident happened on Sunday while the victim was sitting at his usual base at Dike Park, near Zik Avenue.
It was said that the hoodlums who are suspected cultists invaded the place and killed the man.
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According to an eyewitness, the suspected cultists shot severally at the man before using various sharp objects to stab and dismember parts of his body.
The reason for their action has not been ascertained, but it was said that the suspected cultists might have gone after him because of his alleged involvement in cult-related activities before his mental illness began.
Although, some residents living around the area were of the opinion that the man was not “mentally challenged”, while others believed he was “mentally challenged” as, according to them, “he always ate his excreta whenever he stayed at his usual base”.
A sources in the area said, “The suspected cultists fired many bullets at him, but the bullets did not penetrate. They resorted to stabbing and using all manner of sharp objects on him and even stoning him until he died.
“He used to be a member of a cult before he became mentally ill recently. No one knows what caused it, but you know these cultists, once you are committed, you are committed, and they must come for you.”
The state police spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the incident said the Divisional Police Officer of Central Police Station in Awka deployed men promptly to the scene to forestall further breakdown of law and order.
“The DPO immediately swung into action, retrieved the corpse, and deposited it in a morgue”, he said
“I cannot confirm that the man was mad, but when the family comes for the corpse, we will be able to ascertain the mental health of the deceased.
“For now, police are liaising with eyewitnesses to ensure that the perpetrators are tracked and arrested.”
