19 killed in cult clash in Rivers community

Godstime Simon

Nineteen persons have been killed when two rival cults engaged each other in a supremacy fight on Sunday in the Obelle Community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Rivers State Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, adding that the clash happened early Sunday when unidentified gunmen invaded the community and killed seven people.

According to the investigation, it was gathered that on Wednesday, unidentified gunmen believed to be members of a cult group, known as Deybam and Icelanders clashed after two years of vacation.

While the community was still reeling from the pain inflicted by the cult groups on Wednesday, another incident happened on Sunday morning due to the fight for supremacy for power.

A resident of the Obelle community (name withheld) said that many were killed following a fierce battle which resulted in a shootout.

“Innocent people were killed. The shooting was too much and the people started leaving the community. About 19 people have been killed.

“Some cultists came out and started shooting. They were attacking relatives of the people they said were members of the gang that killed their members. It did not take time; the other group came out. They started shooting themselves.

“We are calling on the government to come to our aid. These cults are trying to scatter the people we have in this community. We want the police and army to help us,” he said.

Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, saying the clash was linked to levies from an oil company in the area, saying the number of casualties was 10 at the time.

She stated, “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.

“Investigation is still ongoing as there has not been any arrest yet,” the PPRO said.