Gunmen suspected to be cultists invaded two communities in the Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State on Wednesday, killing six persons.
gathered that the rampaging cultists first killed one person in the Abarikpo community, Ahoada East, while five persons were killed in the Odiereke-Ubie community, Ahoada West.
This came barely 48 hours after four persons were killed in a fresh cult clash in the Emuoha area of the state.
The latest incident, which was said to have occurred around 4am, sent panic across the communities as some residents fled.
The Public Relations Officer of Akoh Youth Congress, Ahoada East Local Government Area, Ekeakita Chinem, confirmed the incident to journalists on Wednesday.
Chinem said the gunmen rode on motorcycles while searching for their targets.
He said, “Around 4am this morning, a group of cult boys who reside in the neighbouring community came to the Abarikpo community, Ahoada East.
“They were searching for some persons. One Aburi Edi was found in his house sleeping. They shot him in the stomach.
“They left the scene for their hideout on motorcycles. In the Odiereke Ubie community, Ahoada West, five youths were killed on Tuesday night.”
The youth leader alleged that the miscreants who reside in the forest had earlier demanded money from the communities, but they refused to pay.
He added, “They said the Odereke community should pay N1m to these boys living in the bush. This community does not have that kind of money.
“Most people in the community were not even at home. Even the five youths were returning from the farm when they met their untimely death. The hoodlums came on three motorcycles.”
He called on the new state Commissioner of Police, Polycarp Emeka, to rise to the occasion and ensure that the culprits were brought to book.
He added, “This place these boys are hiding is not too big. So, I don’t know why the security operatives are pampering them.
“I, therefore, plead with the Inspector General of Police, the state CP, and the Area Commanders of these two LGAs to help us tackle this menace.”
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident.
“Yes, I can confirm that six persons were killed. An investigation is ongoing to apprehend the suspects,” she said.
