Nineteen people were killed in a clash between the Deybam and Icelanders cult groups in Obelle Community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State on Sunday.
The deadly encounter has caused panic in the area causing locals residents to desert their homes.
This latest Sunday class is coming after gunmen believed to be members of a cult group on Wednesday attacked the community and killed seven people.
21st CENTURY CHRONICLE learnt that the two cult groups renewed hostilities after over two years of peace in the area.
It was learnt that Wednesday killings were responsible for Sunday’s invasion of the Obelle community.
A local who gave his name simply as Kingsley, alleged that it was while the group who lost their members on Wednesday was operating that the rivals arrived.
According to Kingsley, “On Sunday, cultists clashed in our community. Many people have been killed. Innocent people were killed. The shooting was too much and the people started leaving the community. About 19 people have been killed.”
The spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, who confirmed the incident, said the clash was linked to levies from an oil company in the area, saying the number of casualties was 10.
She said, “It is a cult clash between loyalists of Naked Wire and Carol. They are fighting over the control of levies from an oil company operative in the area.
“About 10 confirmed dead. No arrest yet, but investigation is ongoing.”
