At least two persons were feared dead in a renewed wave of violence unleashed by suspected cultists in parts of Obiaruku, the administrative headquarters of Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State. Read more
Sources said the community was thrown into confusion at the weekend following a clash by rival cult groups.
According to the sources, there were sporadic gunshots by the suspected cult members, who also used other dangerous weapons as the combatants attempted to out-do each other.
Trouble allegedly started about two weeks ago when two middle-aged men met at a birthday party held at Ogbe-Aka quarters of the town and instantly drew the battle line.
“We had warned the organisers of the party that it should not extend into the night because of the precarious security situation and they gave the assurance that it will not spill into the night.
“But while music was still blaring at about 8p.m on that day, we heard gunshots from close quarters and everyone scampered for safety. It was later that we realised that there was a problem between those who attended the party,” a source stated.
Investigations revealed that a fight had broken out between the men over undisclosed issues.
It was further gathered that when the fight began colleagues of one of the brawling cult members joined the fray and in the process, one of them was hit by bullets.
Although, the clash occurred at Ogbe-Aka quarters, residents in neighbouring Ghana, Okusu and Umuegueze quarters fled their houses due to the fierce gun battle.
Hostility resumed last weekend as members of one of the cult groups whose colleague was hit by bullet during the previous fracas, in apparent reprisal attack, stormed the town, hunting for their opponents. They were said to have shot at a man suspected to be a member of the rival cult group.
However, the victim, who was said to be seriously wounded managed to leap into a nearby bush.
Contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the state Police Command, ASP Lucky Uyabeme said he was yet to get details of the incident.
But a competent source close to Obiaruku Police Station confirmed the clashes in the community but said he was not aware if any arrest had been made.
From PAUL OSUYI, Asaba
CULLED FROM THE SUN NEWSPAPER
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