Kas Nwogu
Following the protracted cult clashes that rocked the Choba community in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, men of the Nigeria Police have moved into the troubled community to return normalcy.
Recall that the community which plays host to the prestigious University of Port Harcourt (Uniport) has suffered incessant unrest due to series of clashes between rival cult groups in the area which have left at least two persons dead.
On Tuesday, unidentified gunmen engaged in a gunfight that lasted for three hours, although no casualties were recorded.
Rival cult groups within the area often engage each other in supremacy battle which leads to beheading of rival members.
On Thursday, three persons were killed in an execution style at an uncompleted building at Ohwipa area of the community.
The killing was said be reprisal following the shooting and burning to death of another cult leader identified as Chima Ibe at a drinking joint in the neighbouring Alakahia community.
Speaking to theportcitynews correspondent, the youth leader of the community, Mr Iwunda, pleaded with the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike to declare a state of emergency in the area to quell the rising insecurity.
He also pleaded with residents of the community who have privileged information to make it available to the security agents in order to aid investigation into the crisis.
A resident who pleaded anonymity said normalcy seems to have returned to the area as security agents were seen at almost all over the community with the aim of restoring peace, order and decorum.