Rivers: One Killed As Rival Cult Factions Clash Over Girlfriend

A yet-to-be identified young man was on Easter Sunday shot dead following an intra-cult clash in the Mile 1 axis of Diobu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, reportedly sparked by a dispute over a girlfriend.

The incident occurred along Abakiliki Street, where factions of the Deybam cult group, identified as BS and D12 houses, engaged in a violent confrontation.

The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the clash, stating that an investigation had already commenced.

Residents told Daily Trust that the violence involved suspected members of the Doggies and White Eagles factions of the Deybam cult group, who were said to be battling for territorial control as well as the attention of a young woman in the area.

The situation escalated when the groups went on a rampage, killing one member from the rival faction.

It was gathered that the victim had gone to buy bread at a nearby shop when he was attacked by gunmen who arrived in a vehicle and opened fire on him.

The shooting caused panic in the neighbourhood, with residents and passersby fleeing for safety.

Police officers from the Mile 1 Division later arrived at the scene and evacuated the body shortly after the attackers fled.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident and said a manhunt had been launched on the killers.

She linked the killing to an intra-cult clash among members of a group in Diobu.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered a manhunt for the perpetrators with a view to bringing them to justice. Security has been reinforced in the area as investigation continues,” she added.