Obelle Community in Rivers State has been thrown into chaos following a deadly resurgence of violence between the Deybam and Icelanders cult groups, leaving 19 people feared dead. The conflict reignited on Sunday, just days after seven residents were killed by suspected cultists. Tensions escalated when one group, seeking retaliation for the earlier attack, invaded the community and targeted relatives of their rivals.
Amid intense gunfire, both cult groups clashed, resulting in multiple fatalities, including innocent victims. Fearing for their lives, residents have deserted the once-peaceful community.
The state police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, attributed the clash to a dispute over levies from a local oil company, confirming 10 deaths but no arrests so far. Authorities have launched investigations as community members plead for intervention from the police and military to restore peace and security.
