One dead, four shot in Rivers cult clash

Tragedy struck in Obele Community, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State as a member of the ONELGA Security Advisory Committee (OSPAC) was brutally murdered by suspected cultists.

Four other persons, including the victim’s brother, were reportedly shot in the incident that occurred on Wednesday, November 6, 2024.

According to eyewitness accounts, the attack occurred in Omuwhoke Ngbume village, Obele, at around 10:00 pm. The victims were allegedly targeted by a group of armed men, suspected to be boys of Chinanu Eleonu also known as Naked.

READ ALSO:Poly Ibadan apprehends suspected cultist with pistol, cartridges

In a telephone interview with journalists, one of the survivors, Eze, recounted the horrific events.

“I stood up to check on the noise outside my house when I saw Naked’s boys with guns. I told my brother to run, but they began shooting at us. They shot me, my brother, and two others. I haven’t seen my brother since then.”

Eze, who denied being a cultist, claimed that the attackers accused them of providing information to unknown parties.

“They said we were giving information, but I don’t know who we’re supposed to be giving information to,” he said.

Also, former Councillor, Chigozie Woka’s house was attacked and destroyed by gunmen last Sunday, November 3, 2024, who accused Naked of being responsible for the attack.

According to Woka, Naked is not from Obele but has been using the community as a hideout, committing various crimes including kidnapping.

He claimed that Naked had been accusing him of working with security agencies to chase him out of Obele, which led to the attack on his house.

However, reacting, Achor Egberuwho, acting Youth Chairman of Omuobu village in Ibaa who spoke on behalf of Chinanu Eleonu (Naked) denied the allegation but rather accused Chigozie Woka of sponsoring cultists to attack and kill him (Naked).

A spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the killing of the OSPAC member and the destruction of the councilor’s house.

She, however, said there was no report in the station on the shooting of four persons.