Anambra traditionalists, Christians in supremacy battle
A combined team of soldiers, police and the Department of State Services, DSS, officers, foiled what would have led to a bloodbath at Amichi in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State as a group of masquerades planned to unleash mayhem on Anglican worshippers during their Sunday outreach at Eke Amichi village square.
The clash ensued, following Ezumezu monthly cultural festival, which coincided with the day Anglican Diocese of Amichi holds its own monthly outreach.
According to sources, the battle line was drawn as irate youths were seen wielding dangerous weapons, apparently to attack the Christians, who gathered at the village square for the outreach.
The source said this latest onslaught was the third by the youths, allegedly sponsored by undercover elders and stakeholders to disrupt religious activities in the area.
It was also learned that some clerics and other church workers had earlier been attacked and their vehicles vandalized, while a police officer was brutalized and assaulted.
The leader of the masquerade group, Mr. Amichi Okonkwo, said they had warned the Anglican Bishop of Amichi, Rt. Rev Ephraim Ikeakor, and the entire Anglican community to steer clear of the market square, especially on Sundays that fall on Eke market days.
He said they disobeyed the Bishop because he disobeyed their elders, including the traditional ruler, who the bishop was accusing of making trouble.
However, Archdeacon and Cathedral Administrator, Ven. Chukwuebuka Chukwuemeka, insisted that Sundays that fall on Eke market days were used by the Anglican Communion as Ozioma Okeke, which was not domiciled at Amichi alone, but cuts across the Niger region.
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