Churches, schools shut, as Awarra cult war rages in owerri

Indigenes of oil-rich Awarra in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of
Imo State have deserted their community, following raging war between
two cult groups, De-Well and De-Gbam, which started since 2008.
It has grounded socio-economic activities, with schools and religious
houses shut. One of the churches closed for fear of possible attack is
the St. Joseph's Catholic Church, with the Parish Priest of the church
reportedly relocated from the community.
A parishioner, who spoke in confidence, said: "For a long while now,
there has been no Sunday or weekday masses in the parish. There has
also not been any administration of the various sacraments, funerals,
weddings and other church activities. Moreover, the situation has
forced the parish priest to flee from the community.