10 feared killed as cult clashes rock Rivers community
At least 10 persons have been killed following a renewed cult clash in Obelle Community, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State. on Sunday.
At least 10 persons have been killed following a renewed cult clash in Obelle Community, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State. on Sunday.
The incident occured on Sunday, causing panic and forcing many residents to flee the areas for safety.
According to police sources, this latest violence is coming against the backdrop of the recent invasion of the community by unidentified gunmen, suspected to be cultists, killing seven persons.
The hoodlums were said to have renewed violence on the community, following a battle for supremacy between two notorious cult groups, Deybam and Icelanders, after over two years of uneasy calm.
It was gathered that following Wednesday’s attack, where members of one group were killed; their allies launched a reprisal attack on Sunday, targeting relatives of their rivals.
A resident of the community, who identified himself simply as Kingsley, narrated the ordeal.
His words, “On Sunday, cultists clashed in our community. Many people were killed, including innocent residents. The shooting was too intense, and people started fleeing the community. About 19 people have so far, been killed.
“In the morning, some cultists came out and started shooting, attacking the relatives of those they believed were members of the gang that killed their colleagues on Wednesday. Not long after, the rival group came out, and both sides engaged in a fierce gun battle. Members of both groups died in the process.”
Meanwhile, some residents of the troubled community have urged both the police and other law enforcement agencies to intervene on the matter by restoring peace in the area.
“We are calling on the government to come to our aid. These cult groups are tearing our community apart. We need the police and the army to step in and stop this madness,” Kingsley pleaded.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, saying the clash was linked to levies from an oil company in the area, adding that 10 people died during the violence.
Her words, “It is a cult clash between loyalists of Naked Wire and Carol. They are fighting over the control of levies from an oil company operating in the area. About 10 have been confirmed dead. No arrest yet, but investigation is ongoing.” (The PUNCH)
It was gathered that following Wednesday’s attack, where members of one group were killed; their allies launched a reprisal attack on Sunday, targeting relatives of their rivals.
A resident of the community, who identified himself simply as Kingsley, narrated the ordeal.
His words, “On Sunday, cultists clashed in our community. Many people were killed, including innocent residents. The shooting was too intense, and people started fleeing the community. About 19 people have so far, been killed.
“In the morning, some cultists came out and started shooting, attacking the relatives of those they believed were members of the gang that killed their colleagues on Wednesday. Not long after, the rival group came out, and both sides engaged in a fierce gun battle. Members of both groups died in the process.”
Meanwhile, some residents of the troubled community have urged both the police and other law enforcement agencies to intervene on the matter by restoring peace in the area.
“We are calling on the government to come to our aid. These cult groups are tearing our community apart. We need the police and the army to step in and stop this madness,” Kingsley pleaded.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, saying the clash was linked to levies from an oil company in the area, adding that 10 people died during the violence.
Her words, “It is a cult clash between loyalists of Naked Wire and Carol. They are fighting over the control of levies from an oil company operating in the area. About 10 have been confirmed dead. No arrest yet, but investigation is ongoing.” (The PUNCH)
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