There is heightened tension in the Diobu area of Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, following separate incidents of violence involving suspected cultists.
On Saturday night, gunmen suspected to be cult members shot and killed a vigilante member at Obidanso waterfront in Mile 1.
According to reports, the Diobu Vigilante, accompanied by police officers, had received a tip-off about the activities of rival cult groups in the area.
Upon arrival at the waterfront around 9pm, the suspected cultists, allegedly from a group known as ‘Deygbam’, ambushed the security operatives, leading to a shootout.
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Unfortunately, a vigilante member named Orukwo was fatally shot during the confrontation.
Meanwhile, mourners were seen at Orukwo’s family house on Ekwulobia Street in Mile 3, Diobu, as they grieved the loss of their loved one.
In another incident later that night, suspected cultists believed to be the same assailants shot and killed a man identified as ‘Umo’, a former member of the Diobu Vigilante, at Kaduna Street in D-Line, Port Harcourt.
Umo was reportedly dismissed from the vigilante group due to suspicions of criminal activities.
The motive behind his killing is suspected to be linked to rivalry between cult groups.
The spokesperson of the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed both incidents, noting that investigations are underway.
She emphasized that efforts are being made to apprehend the perpetrators responsible for these violent acts and bring them to justice.
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