No fewer than six persons have been killed in Awka, Anambra State capital by suspected gunmen.

The incident took place early hours of Saturday, along the popular Zik Avenue and its environs.

But the State Police Public Relations Officer, Ikenga Tochukwu, says they were not gunmen,  but rather, a clash of rival cult groups.

He said the command had deployed troops to douse tension in the capital city.

Sources said the clash was caused by the high rate of taxes imposed on tricycle operators in the State by the Anambra State government.

“The shootings in those areas were heavy and scared the residents who scampered for safety”, the source said.

The gunmen, it was gathered were shooting non-stop without any challenge, leading to the death of the six persons.

However, another source said they were cult groups who were in a supremacy battle.

While confirming the shootings, the Police spokesperson said  police patrol had been intensified within the area and the entire Awka.

The PPRO said: “Following the sound of gun shots in Zik Avenue, Awka, police patrol has been intensified in Awka.

“Preliminary information reveals that the shooting is cult related.

“The situation is being closely monitored and further development shall be communicated to the public.”

The Nation