A fresh clash between rival cult groups in Onne, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, has left three people dead, while three suspects have been arrested.
Although the names of the cult groups remain unidentified, sources indicated that one group initially launched an attack on the other on Friday, killing two members. This led to a retaliatory attack on Saturday.
Among the deceased was a cultist known as ‘Small Lighter,’ who had allegedly been terrorising the area.
Amid the violence, sporadic gunfire forced some residents to flee, disrupting the peace of the community.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said on Sunday, “Yes, I can confirm the cult clash. Three persons were killed, and three suspects were arrested.
“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, the Chairman of Eleme LGA, Brian Gokpa, pledged to support security operatives in apprehending and prosecuting those responsible for the killings.
Reacting to the incident, Gokpa urged Onne youths to remain 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 commended the police and other security agencies for their swift response and professionalism in handling the crisis.
