New clashes between rival cult groups claim to have taken no less than 10 people in the Obelle community in the Emohu local government area of River State.
The latest conflict took place on Sunday, February 9, 2025, and a few days later, the unidentified gunman was suspected of being a worshipper and invaded the community, k! ling seven people.
The violent conflict has caused panic, forcing many residents to flee the community for safety.
Sources told Punch that the new violence was a supreme battle between two notorious cult groups, Deybam and the Icelanders, who resumed hostilities after more than two years of uneasy calm.
According to the gathering, after Wednesday’s attack, a group member was K!
A source in the community simply identified himself as Kingsley, saying innocent residents are K in the conflict!
“On Sunday, worshippers clashed in our community. Many people were K! Shootings were so intense that people started to flee the community. About 19 people were K!
“In the morning, some worshippers came out and started shooting, attacking relatives they believed were members of the gang, K! A fierce gun battle.
“We call on the government to help us. These cult groups are tearing down our communities. We need police and military to step in and stop this madness.”
A spokesman for state police commander Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the incident, saying the conflict was linked to taxes from an oil company in the region.
“It’s a cult conflict between the naked thread and the hymn loyalists. They are fighting for tax controls from an oil company in the region. About ten confirmed D3ADs. No arrests have been made, but investigations are underway,” PPRO said.
