Tension has gripped the Obelle community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State following a renewed cult clash that has reportedly left at least 19 people dead. The violent confrontation between two rival cult groups, the Icelanders and Deybam, erupted on Sunday, February 9, forcing many residents to flee their homes.
According to reports, the latest clash was a retaliatory attack, reigniting a long-standing supremacy battle between the groups. Just days earlier, on Wednesday, February 5, unidentified gunmen—believed to be cult members—stormed the community and killed seven people. While the residents were still mourning the loss, the situation escalated further when the group whose members were slain launched an attack targeting relatives of their perceived enemies.
A resident, who identified himself simply as Kingsley, described the terrifying events. “On Sunday morning, some cultists came out and started shooting. They were attacking the relatives of people they claimed were members of the gang that killed their own. It didn’t take long before the rival group appeared and started shooting back. Members of both groups were killed in the crossfire,” he said.
The intensity of the violence forced many to flee the area, fearing for their lives. “Many people have been killed, including innocent ones. The shooting was so intense that people began running for safety. About 19 persons have been killed,” Kingsley added.
While the police in Rivers State have yet to release an official statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident but noted that authorities were still gathering details.
Cultism remains a major security threat in several communities across Nigeria, often leading to bloodshed, disruption of social order, and loss of innocent lives. The activities of cult groups—deeply shrouded in secrecy—are predominantly carried out by young individuals, with members using coded slang to maintain group solidarity and evade law enforcement.
The consequences of cultism go beyond violence. It has contributed to the proliferation of arms, destruction of academic institutions, distortion of societal values, vandalism, and an increase in criminal activities.
Amid growing concerns over cult-related violence, residents of Obelle are calling on the government and security agencies to intervene before the situation spirals further out of control. “These cults are trying to tear our community apart. We want the police and the army to help us,” a distressed resident pleaded.
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Experts and community leaders have urged the government to implement rehabilitation programs for renounced cult members and integrate anti-cultism education into school curriculums at all levels. Strengthening laws against cultism and fostering positive environments for youths could also help curb the menace.
As the people of Obelle continue to live in fear, the pressing question remains: Will authorities take decisive action to restore peace and security to the troubled community?
