Kelechi Kas
The Rivers State Police command and residents of Okehi, Ulakwo, Igbodo and Mba communities in Etche Local Government Area have differed on the casualty figures in the cult clashes that erupted in the area on Monday.
At least seven persons, including a 15-year-old boy, were said to have been killed in the renewed cult clash in the area.
Local sources told theportcitynews that several houses were also burnt down during the clash.
A resident of the area who did not want to be named said the clash began on Sunday after members of Degbam cult group killed a member of Deywell cult group in Okehi community.
He said members of Deywell on a reprisal, attacked members of Degbam group leading to an all-out war between the two cult groups early on Monday.
He added that the clashes spread to neighbouring Ulakwo, Igbodo and Mba communities leading to the death of seven persons.
Another source who witnessed the attacks said the clashes forced commercial drivers not to ferry passengers to Port Harcourt early in the morning.
“We woke up to the clash between the two cult groups. I can confirm that at least seven persons have been killed, while five sustained life-threatening injuries.
“No passenger from Okehi left for Port Harcourt today as commercial drivers ran for their lives. It was horrible”
But Nnamdi Omoni, the public relations officer of the Rivers State Police Command, while confirming the clash, said no life was lost.
‘No life was lost. Men of the tactical team have been asked to relocate to the troubled places in order to forestall any form of reprisal.’’ he said.
