About three people have been killed and three others arrested in a renewed bloody clash between rival cult groups in Onne, Eleme Local Government of Rivers State.
It was learnt that one of them first launched an attack on its rival, killing two on Friday and this led to a reprisal the following day.
The police confirmed that one of the notorious cultists identified as ‘small lighter’ terrorising the area was among the victims of the clash.
Some residents were said to have fled their homes following gunshots fired by the cultists while others sent messages warning people to avoid the area.
Spokesperson, State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident and said three people died in the bloody encounter.
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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 terrorising 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. Investigation is ongoing to fish out other fleeing suspects and ensure they are prosecuted.”
Chairman, 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 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.”