This is authoritative: A total
number of 95 policemen were killed at Alakyo, 10 kilometres away from Lafia,
the Nasarawa State capital, earlier this week, by members of the Ombatse cultist group.
number of 95 policemen were killed at Alakyo, 10 kilometres away from Lafia,
the Nasarawa State capital, earlier this week, by members of the Ombatse cultist group.
A member of the Ombatse sect, who did not disclose his identity,
but said that he participated in the killings, told the BBC Hausa Service,
monitored in Kaduna, that he and his colleagues used only axes in killing the
policemen.
but said that he participated in the killings, told the BBC Hausa Service,
monitored in Kaduna, that he and his colleagues used only axes in killing the
policemen.
According to him: “The sect is
highly purified and its members are not into alcoholism, sexual intercourse and
stealing. Our members are highly moral and dedicated to their cause only.”
highly purified and its members are not into alcoholism, sexual intercourse and
stealing. Our members are highly moral and dedicated to their cause only.”
The member, explained how they
carried out the killings.
carried out the killings.
He said: “We didn’t attack
anyone. For three days we heard rumour that the security agents were coming to
arrest our old man (leader), and so we became vigilant. Then, we saw about 12
vans loaded with policemen, heavily armed. We asked them where they were going
to. They said they were not going to our base. We said we did not agree.
Suddenly, they threw tear gas at us and it did not affect us. Next, they opened
fire and killed nine of our members, and we retaliated by using axes to hack
them to death”.
anyone. For three days we heard rumour that the security agents were coming to
arrest our old man (leader), and so we became vigilant. Then, we saw about 12
vans loaded with policemen, heavily armed. We asked them where they were going
to. They said they were not going to our base. We said we did not agree.
Suddenly, they threw tear gas at us and it did not affect us. Next, they opened
fire and killed nine of our members, and we retaliated by using axes to hack
them to death”.
He also denied the allegation
that they were forcing Christians and Muslims into their fold, saying: “No, no,
it is a lie. We are not taking our herbs to harm anyone, but to protect
ourselves. We don’t condone stealing, womanising, alcoholism.”
that they were forcing Christians and Muslims into their fold, saying: “No, no,
it is a lie. We are not taking our herbs to harm anyone, but to protect
ourselves. We don’t condone stealing, womanising, alcoholism.”
Source: Blueprint
