There was tension in Kereke-Boue community, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State on Wednesday as unknown gunmen said to be cultists set buildings ablaze in the community.
Community sources said a fracas at a drinking joint between rival cult groups led to the burning down of a building belonging to one of the gang members.
The sources said the fight and burning of the house forced some residents to flee the community for fear of reprisal attacks.
However, an intervention from Bori Police Division brought the situation under control as the police team chased the hoodlums and burnt their operational speed boats.
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The sources said the police team later cordoned off the area and have maintained a heavy presence
Cult related killings in Khana led to the killing of at least 60 persons from April to September 2019.
A report by Amnesty International said the failure of authorities to protect people from attacks and intimidation by violent gangs is leading to loss of lives and rising impunity that is making life precarious in some communities across Rivers state.
AI noted that at least 60 people were killed in 2019 alone in various communities of Rivers state, especially; Khana and Gokana local government areas.
“Our findings show that the government is still not doing enough to protect people in these communities from attacks. The killers are literally getting away with murder, while no one is being arrested or punished for these crimes.
The authorities have failed to bring those responsible for these horrific crimes to justice and have allowed a climate of impunity to fuel further violence.
“We call on the Nigerian authorities to take more robust action to stop these attacks by investigating every clash and bringing perpetrators to justice”, Osai Ojigho, Director Amnesty International Nigeria said in a statement on Thursday.
