2 Killed as rival cult groups clash in Rivers

Two persons were shot dead while another sustained critical injuries following a clash between rival cult groups in Unyengala and Ngo communities of Andoni Local Government Area, Rivers State.

Community sources said the violence involved suspected members of two rival groups and stemmed from a struggle for supremacy and territorial control.

The confrontation, which reportedly began on Sunday, spilled into Monday, triggering panic among residents.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the incident, said sporadic gunshots were heard in the two communities, forcing people to flee for safety.

“It started on Sunday evening when we heard gunshots in Ngo and Unyengala. People were running to save their lives. It was later that we learnt that two persons had been shot dead,” the source said.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said security operatives had been deployed to the area to restore calm.

“Yes, I can confirm the incident. Two people were killed, while another person was critically injured. The incident is linked to a supremacy battle between two rival cult groups in the area,” she said.

Iringe-Koko added that security presence had been reinforced in the affected communities and that an investigation was ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible.

Meanwhile, the renewed cult-related violence has heightened fear among residents of the area, with many calling for sustained security measures to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

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