Now Reading: Rivers Community Abandoned as Cult Clashes Claim 19 Lives
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Rivers Community Abandoned as Cult Clashes Claim 19 Lives
At least 19 people have reportedly been killed in a violent cult clash in Obelle Community, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, forcing residents to flee for safety.
The crisis, which reignited on Sunday after two years of relative peace, follows a similar attack last Wednesday when unidentified gunmen suspected to be cultists invaded the area and killed seven people.
According to local sources, the deadly confrontation involved two notorious cult groups—Deybam and Icelanders—who engaged in a fierce battle for supremacy.
A resident, Kingsley, narrated the ordeal, saying, “On Sunday morning, the cultists began shooting indiscriminately, targeting families of their rivals. Within a short period, the opposing group retaliated, leading to heavy casualties. We have counted about 19 deaths so far.”
The incident has heightened calls for government intervention. Community leaders are appealing to security agencies to restore order and prevent further violence.
Confirming the incident, Rivers State Police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, attributed the clash to a dispute over levies collected from an oil company operating in the area. She disclosed that 10 deaths had been officially confirmed, and investigations were ongoing, though no arrests had been made yet.
