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.
The fight began on Friday when one group attacked the other, killing two members. The other group retaliated on Saturday, leading to further bloodshed.
Among those killed was a notorious cultist known as ‘Small Lighter,’ who had allegedly been terrorising the area.
The gun battle caused panic among residents, forcing some to flee their homes.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said on Sunday, “Yes, I can confirm the cult clash. Three persons were killed, and three suspects were 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 person was killed earlier, so three people in total.
“Our men have been deployed to the area, and calm has been restored. The investigation is ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects and ensure they are prosecuted.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Eleme LGA, Brian Gokpa, assured residents that security agencies were working to bring the culprits to justice.
“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,” he said.
“Let me also use this medium to advise Onne youths to remain calm. Nobody should take the law into their own hands as security agencies are on top of the situation.”
Gokpa praised the police and other security operatives for their quick response and efforts to restore peace.
