Gunmen suspected to be cultists unleashed a wave of violence in two communities in Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State on Wednesday morning, resulting in the tragic loss of six lives.
According to reports, the assailants initially targeted Abarikpo community in Ahoada East, where they claimed the life of one individual. Subsequently, they proceeded to Odiereke-Ubie community in Ahoada West, where five more individuals fell victim to the attack.
This distressing incident occurred a mere 48 hours after another outbreak of violence caused by a renewed cult clash in Emuoha, Rivers State.
The latest attack, which took place around 4 am, sent shockwaves through the affected communities, prompting residents to flee in search of safety.
In a statement to the press, Ekeakita Chinem, the Public Relations Officer of Akoh Youth Congress in Ahoada East, confirmed the incident and provided additional details. According to Chinem, the gunmen arrived on motorcycles, commonly referred to as okada, as they meticulously searched for their targets.
“At about 4 am this morning, a group of cult boys who reside in a neighboring community came to Abarikpo community, Ahoada East,” Chinem explained. “They were searching for specific individuals. Unfortunately, they discovered Aburi Dickson Edi asleep in his house. They stormed into his residence and shot him in the stomach. They then took his motorcycle and fled to their hideout. In Odiereke Ubie community, Ahoada West, five youths were killed on Tuesday night.”
Chinem further alleged that the criminals responsible for the attack resided in the forest and had demanded a substantial sum of money from the communities. However, when the communities refused to comply with their demands, the situation escalated into tragedy.
“Odereke community was instructed to pay N1 million to these boys living in the bush, but the community lacks the funds,” Chinem stated. “Most people in the community were not even at home. Even the five youths who lost their lives were returning from the farm when they encountered their untimely death. The hoodlums arrived on three motorcycles and departed after carrying out the heinous act.”
The youth leader expressed profound sadness over the frequency of such killings, which seemingly occur on a weekly basis. He called upon the newly appointed Commissioner of Police in the state, Polycarp Emeka, to take decisive action and ensure that the culprits are apprehended and brought to justice.
When contacted, the police spokesperson for the state, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident and assured that an investigation is underway to apprehend the suspects responsible for the senseless violence.
“Yes, I can confirm that six persons were killed,” Iringe-Koko stated. “An investigation is ongoing to apprehend the suspects.”
The incident has sent shockwaves through the affected communities and raised concerns about the escalating violence perpetrated by cult groups in the region. As investigations continue, residents hope for swift justice and measures to prevent further loss of life in their communities.
