By G9ija
The Rivers State police have verified that a violent cult clash on Valentine’s Day in Ikata, Upata Kingdom, Ahoada East Local Government Area (LGA) resulted in the death of nine individuals.
SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the Rivers Police Command, confirmed this on Wednesday and stated that CP Effiong Okon, the Commissioner of Police in the state, has dispatched tactical units to the region to reestablish order.
A community source narrated to Vanguard that, “This bloodletting was provoked by supremacy conflict within the same cult group. The Greenland cult group has been factionalised as a gang loyal to VIP, one of the leaders, and another faction submissive to Ebuka.
“It was both factions that engaged in the gun duel at about 10.30 Tuesday night when the battle calmed in just over half an hour, nine persons were left dead.
“The horror caused panic in the community as residents scampered for safety and businesses closed abruptly to avoid being caught in the melee.”
According to SP Iringe-Koko, the Police Spokesperson, the Ahoada Police Division and Joint Task Force men who conducted a spot assessment in the area reportedly dismantled camps belonging to the divided cult gang.
Additionally, an investigation is currently underway to apprehend any remaining members of the gang who may have fled the area.