10 Killed in Fresh Cult Clashes in Rivers State, Residents Call for Help.
At least 10 people are feared dead following a resurgence of cult-related violence in Obelle Community, located in the Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State. The clashes, which erupted on Sunday, have left the community in chaos, with many residents fleeing to escape the bloodshed.
This recent outbreak of violence comes just days after unidentified gunmen, believed to be cultists, attacked the community on Wednesday, killing seven individuals. Sources indicate that the renewed conflict is a result of a power struggle between two notorious cult groups, Deybam and Icelanders, who have reignited their rivalry after more than two years of relative peace.
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According to reports, the Sunday attack was a retaliatory move by one group in response to the killings of their members during Wednesday’s invasion. The assailants reportedly targeted the families and relatives of their rivals, escalating the violence.
A resident of the community, who identified himself as Kingsley, shared his account of the tragic events. “On Sunday, cultists clashed in our community, and many people were killed, including innocent residents. The gunfire was intense, forcing people to flee for their lives. So far, about 19 people have lost their lives,” he said.
Kingsley further explained, “In the morning, some cultists began shooting, attacking the relatives of those they believed were part of the rival group responsible for Wednesday’s killings. Shortly after, the opposing group retaliated, leading to a fierce gun battle. Members of both groups were killed in the process.”
The ongoing violence has left the community in a state of fear and desperation. Residents are now appealing to the government and security agencies to intervene and restore peace. “We are calling on the government to come to our aid. These cult groups are destroying our community. We need the police and the army to step in and put an end to this madness,” Kingsley pleaded.
When contacted, Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, confirmed the incident. She stated that the clash was linked to a dispute over control of levies collected from an oil company operating in the area. “It is a cult clash between loyalists of Naked Wire and Carol. They are fighting over the control of levies from an oil company in the area. About ten people have been confirmed dead. No arrests have been made yet, but investigations are ongoing,” she said.
10 Killed in Fresh Cult Clashes in Rivers State, Residents Call for Help.
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