A suspected cult-related clash in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has claimed the life of a yet-to-be-identified man following a violent confrontation on Sunday evening.
The incident occurred along Abakaliki Street in the Mile 1 axis of Diobu, a densely populated area in the state capital.
According to sources, the clash involved rival factions identified as the Doggies and White Eagle Houses of the notorious Deybam cult group. The confrontation reportedly stemmed from a dispute over a young woman, which escalated into a gun battle.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said tensions rose when two members from the opposing factions showed interest in the same woman.
“The two men belong to different houses within the same cult group. They both had interest in a lady, and when they crossed paths trying to get her attention, it led to a disagreement that quickly turned violent,” the source said.
The situation reportedly spiraled out of control when armed assailants drove through the area, opening fire. The victim, who had just stepped out to buy bread, was struck by stray bullets during the attack.
The shooting caused panic among residents, who fled for safety amid fears of further violence or reprisal attacks.
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Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, described the killing as an intra-cult clash.
“Yes, I can confirm the incident. It is linked to clashes between members of the same cult group in Diobu,” she stated.
She added that the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered a manhunt for those responsible, assuring that efforts are underway to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Security presence has since been intensified in the area, while investigations continue.
Residents also reported that officers from the Mile 1 Police Division arrived shortly after the attack to evacuate the victim’s body.
Authorities have noted that similar clashes between rival factions of the Deybam cult have occurred in the past, with several arrests previously made.
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