The Umuonyeashi, Nsokpo Ogbaku Community in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, was on Friday morning thrown into mourning when a suspected cultist, Chima, reportedly stabbed a mechanic, Chigozie Anumwee to death over a minor quarrel.
Consequently, China, also know as 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 at Umuonyeashi, Nsokpo Ogbaku, and the people of the community retaliated almost immediately and stoned Chima to death.
A community source, who pleaded anonymity, said Chima (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 giving him the ancient Jewish treatment by stoning him to death.
Confirming the incident, the Secretary of Ogbaku Youth Association, Justice Chukwunatu Nwafor, who described the incident as “the height of barbarism at this time and age,” said the matter had been reported to the police at Ogbaku Police Division and that normalcy has been restored in the area.
Reacting, the Imo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, said that he had not yet received a briefing on the matter, promising to inform our correspondent once he gets any information but was yet to do so before press time.