CRIME NEWS
Continued cult war
in Rivers leaves 16 dead, many injured and palace burnt
No fewer than 16
people are feared dead following cult crises that broke out in two different
local government areas of Rivers State, Sunday.
It was alleged that
14 people were killed by the said cultists at Kono Boue and Gbam Boue
communities of Khana council, while two people were killed in Ishiodu village,
Emohua community, Emohua council.
It was also
gathered that seven people were abducted when the bandits struck at Khana
council, while many properties were also destroyed. However, there are
conflicting reports on the number of deaths in the Khana incident.
Whereas some
reported 20, others said 14, while the Police claimed five people lost their
lives. The clash in Khana is believed to be a reprisal attack from the Iceland
cult over the killing of a notable member of their gang earlier.
The Paramount Ruler
of Kono Bo-ue community in Khana council, HRH, Mene Taalor Tornwe, described
the incident as shocking, adding that the cult boys were incited against him
and other members of the community.
Tornwe, while
condemning the killings and burning of his palace and other buildings by the
cultists, noted that he had carried out the instruction of the governor of the
state to restore peace in the area, but regretted that some persons incited the
cultists against him. Also, the Community Development Committee Chairman,
Prince Christian Borlo-One, alleged that over 40 persons were feared killed,
adding that some persons were beheaded and five abducted.
He also called on
government and security agencies to urgently intervene so the community will
not be totally deserted. Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command’s Public
Relations Officer, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, said the Police are aware of the
incidents, noting that two people died in Ishiodu village and five in the Khana
incident.
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