Residents of Obelle Community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State have deserted their homes for safety following the death of 19 people in a renewed cult clash on Sunday.
Naija News learnt that the cult clash occurred a few days after unidentified gunmen believed to be members of a cult group invaded the community and killed seven people.
While the community was still reeling in the pain of the incident, the two cult groups in the area resumed their battle for supremacy on Sunday morning after over two years of vacation.
It was gathered that the supremacy battle on Sunday was between the Deybam and Icelanders cult groups.
According to Punch, after the Wednesday killing, the group whose members were killed on Sunday invaded the Obelle community and started attacking relatives of those perceived to be part of the cult group that earlier killed seven people.
In an interview with the publication above, a community resident identified as Kingsley alleged that while the group that lost its members on Wednesday was operating, the rivals arrived.
Kingsley said, “On Sunday, cultists clashed in our community. Many people have been killed. Innocent people were killed. The shooting was too much and the people started leaving the community. About 19 people have been killed.
“On Sunday morning, 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. People from the two groups also died.
“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.”
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the clash was linked to levies from an oil company in the area, adding the number of casualties was 10.
She said, “It is a cult clash between loyalists of Naked Wire and Carol. They are fighting over the control of levies from an oil company operative in the area.
“About 10 confirmed dead. No arrest yet, but investigation is ongoing.”
