A clash between competing cult groups in Onne, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, has left three people dead and three suspects in custody.
Although the names of the cult organisations are unknown, sources say that one group initially attacked the other on Friday, murdering two members. This resulted in a retaliatory attack on Saturday.
Among the dead was a cultist known as ‘Small Lighter,’ who had reportedly been terrorising the neighbourhood.
During the clash, occasional gunfire drove several inhabitants to evacuate, disturbing the community’s serenity.
Confirming the incident, Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, said on Sunday,
“Yes, I can confirm the cult clash. Three persons were killed, and three suspects were arrested by the police.
“From the information available to me, one of the suspects, called ‘Small Lighter,’ who has been terrorising the Eleme axis, killed one person from the other cult.
“So, in retaliation, they went after him and killed him. One other person was killed earlier, so three people in total.
“Our men (police) have been deployed to the area, and calm has been restored. The investigation is ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects and ensure they are prosecuted.”
Meanwhile, Brian Gokpa, Chairman of Eleme LGA, promised to assist security personnel in apprehending and prosecuting those responsible for the deaths.
Reacting to the incident, Gokpa encouraged Onne youngsters to keep calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
“Security agencies have been deployed to Onne. Everything is under control because we are working with the relevant security agencies, so there is no need for panic,” he said.
“Let me also use this medium to advise Onne youths to remain calm. Nobody should take the law into their own hands, as security agencies are on top of the situation.”
He praised the police and other security agencies for their quick response and professionalism during the crisis.
