Rivers Cult Clash Turns Deadly: Three Killed, Suspects Arrested
A violent cult clash in Onne, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, has left three people dead and led to the arrest of three suspects. The conflict, which erupted between rival groups, began with an attack on Friday that claimed two lives and triggered a deadly reprisal on Saturday.
Police confirmed that one of the slain individuals, identified as the notorious cultist ‘Small Lighter,’ had long terrorized the area. The violence sent shockwaves through the community, forcing some residents to flee their homes while others issued warnings to avoid the area due to the intense gunfire.
Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, verified the incident, stating, “Yes, I can confirm the cult clash. Three persons were killed and three suspects arrested. One of the suspects called ‘Small Lighter,’ who has been terrorizing the Eleme axis, killed one person from the other cult. In retaliation, they went after him and killed him. One other was killed earlier, so three persons in all.”
She further assured that law enforcement had been deployed to restore order and that investigations were underway to apprehend other fleeing suspects.
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Meanwhile, the Chairman of Eleme LGA, Brian Gokpa, pledged support for security agencies to ensure the culprits face justice. He urged Onne youths to remain calm and not resort to further violence, stating,
“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.”
The police have intensified efforts to track down those responsible, ensuring stability returns to the troubled community.
