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.
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.
Culled from The Sun
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