Onne, Rivers State – A violent clash between rival cult groups in Onne, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, has left three people dead, while police have arrested three suspects in connection with the incident.
The clash, which began on Friday, saw one group launch an attack on the other, resulting in the killing of two members. In retaliation, a counterattack was carried out on Saturday, leading to further bloodshed.
Among the deceased was a notorious cultist known as Small Lighter, who had allegedly been terrorizing the area. Reports indicate that he was responsible for an initial killing, which led to a reprisal attack that claimed his life. Another individual was also killed in the ongoing violence.
The crisis caused panic among residents, with sporadic gunfire forcing some to flee their homes.
Police Confirm Incident, Restore Calm
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, stated that security operatives had been deployed to restore order.
“Yes, I can confirm the cult clash. Three persons were killed, and three suspects have been arrested,” Iringe-Koko said on Sunday.
She added, “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 rival cult group. In retaliation, they went after him and killed him. Another person had been killed earlier, bringing the total number of deaths to three.”
According to the police, investigations are ongoing to track down other fleeing suspects and ensure their prosecution.
LGA Chairman Calls for Calm
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Eleme LGA, Brian Gokpa, assured residents that security agencies were in control of the situation. He urged the youth in Onne to refrain from 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,” Gokpa said.
He also commended the police and other security agencies for their swift response and professionalism in handling the crisis, pledging full support in apprehending and prosecuting those responsible for the killings.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order in the area while intensifying efforts to curb cult-related violence in Rivers State.
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