Three killed, others arrested in renewed Rivers cult clash

A violent clash between rival cult groups in Onne, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, has left three people dead and three others in police custody.

The conflict, which erupted on Friday, saw one group launch an attack that killed two members of the opposing gang, prompting a reprisal on Saturday. Among the deceased was a notorious cultist known as ‘Small Lighter,’ who had been terrorizing the area.

The violent encounter sent panic through the community, with some residents fleeing their homes while others warned people to avoid the area due to the gunfire exchange.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, stated that security forces had restored calm to the area, and investigations were ongoing to track down more suspects involved in the cult war.

Iringe-Koko said: “Yes I can confirm the cult clash. Three persons were killed and three suspects arrested.

“From the information available to me, one of the suspects called ‘Small Lighter’ who has been terrorizing the Eleme axis killed one person from the other cult. So in retaliation they went after him and killed him. One other was killed earlier, so, three persons in all.

“Our men (Police) have been deployed to the area and calm has been restored in the area. Investigation is ongoing to fish out other fleeing suspects and ensure they are prosecuted”.

The Chairman of Eleme LGA, Brain Gokpa, promised to assist the security operatives to ensure the arrest and prosecution of those behind the killings,

Gokpa, while reacting to the cult clash however called on youths of the Onne community to remain calm and refrain from taking laws into their hands.

He said: “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.

“Let me also use this medium to advise Onne youths to be calm. Nobody should take the laws into their hands as security agencies are on top of the situation.”