10 killed as rival cult groups clash in Rivers

At least 10 people were confirmed dead in a renewed cult clash on Sunday morning in Obelle community, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The violent confrontation between the Naked Wire and Carol cult groups erupted just days after unidentified gunmen, suspected to be cultists, invaded the community last Wednesday, killing seven residents.

The latest clash, reportedly a battle for supremacy, shattered a two-year ceasefire and forced many residents to flee for safety. Sources say the violence escalated when one group retaliated for last week’s killings by attacking relatives of their perceived rivals.

An eyewitness, Kingsley, described the scene as chaotic. “There was intense shooting. Innocent people were caught in the crossfire. About 19 people have been killed,” he said, urging the government to intervene.

Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the incident, linking the violence to a dispute over levies from an oil company operating in the area. She stated that 10 deaths had been confirmed and that investigations were ongoing, but no arrests had been made.