Cult Clash in Rivers State Leaves 19 Dead, Community Deserted

A renewed cult clash in Obelle Community, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, has left at least 19 people dead, forcing residents to flee in fear. The violent confrontation between rival cult groups erupted on Sunday, just days after unidentified gunmen suspected to be cultists killed seven people in the area.

The recent clash saw members of the Deybam and Icelanders cult groups engaging in a deadly battle for supremacy, marking the end of over two years of uneasy peace in the community. Sources say the violence escalated after one group, seeking revenge for the killings on Wednesday, targeted relatives of suspected rivals. The retaliatory attack quickly spiraled into a full-blown shootout, leaving many dead and prompting mass displacement.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as gunfire rang out across the community. A resident, Kingsley, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the widespread fear gripping Obelle. “Many innocent people have been killed. The shooting was intense, and people started running for their lives. We need the government to intervene before our community is completely destroyed,” he pleaded.

The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the clash, attributing it to a dispute over levies collected from an oil company operating in the area. Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko stated that 10 deaths had been confirmed so far, though no arrests had been made. “The clash involves loyalists of Naked Wire and Carol, fighting over control of these levies. Investigations are ongoing,” she added.