Cultists Kill Eight in Rivers Community, Residents Plead for Help

Suspected cultists have reportedly killed at least eight people in Obelle Community, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State. The attack, which occurred on Wednesday night, left residents in shock as the assailants operated without resistance.

Eyewitnesses say the killers stormed the community armed with various weapons, including guns, and targeted individuals in their homes. Some victims were brutally attacked, with reports of decapitation and dismemberment. A resident, identified as Obinichi, stated that the gunmen tracked their victims to their houses before breaking in and killing them.

Security operatives have since visited some of the crime scenes. According to reports, the police recovered two bodies, while families of three victims have already buried their loved ones.

A local vigilante leader, speaking anonymously, appealed for urgent intervention from security agencies, warning that cult groups had taken control of the community. He recalled that the same gang was responsible for the killing of an OSPAC (Onelga Security Peace and Advisory Council) member last year and had continued to operate freely.

Residents are now calling on Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Emohua Local Government Chairman, David Omereji, to take immediate action to restore security in the area. While the state police command has yet to issue a statement, the Divisional Police Officer of Rumuji Division and the Joint Task Force (JTF) commander in Ibaa have visited the crime scene for assessment.