RIVERS: Three persons killed, others injured in P’Harcourt cult clash

AT least three persons were killed when two rival cult groups clashed in Diobu area of Port Harcourt, the state capital.

The incident was said to have taken place yesterday when the two groups suddenly arrived the area and started shooting indiscriminately to the air causing passersby to scamper for safety.

The develoment reportedly caused a gridlock in the area as motorists spent hours to leave in the wake of the clash.

Confirming the clash in a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer of the state command, Nnamdi Omoni, said men from the Diobu division responded to a distress call and mobilised massively to the scene to quell the situation.

Part of the statement read “I confirm that there was a gang clash between two rival cult groups today 22/4/2021 at about 1500hrs, where it was reported that unknown gunmen were shooting sporadically at the Railway axis of Diobu”.

“On the receipt of the distress call, operatives of the Diobu Division mobilized massively to the scene but unfortunately on arrival, the cultists had taken to flight. They, however, were able to arrest one of them alive, while three lifeless bodies were at the scene with multiple gunshot wounds on their bodies.

“The victims were confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital and their remains were deposited in the Mortuary.”

In the meantime, calm has so far returned to the area following increased police patrol.

The police spokesman enjoined the public to go about their lawful activities without fear of molestation, stressing that the Commissioner of Police, CP Eboka Friday has vowed to deal decisively with all criminal elements in the State.