In Rivers State, Renewed Cult Clashes Leave 19 Dead in Obelle Community

The Obelle community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State was thrown into chaos on Sunday, February 9, 2025, following a violent clash between two notorious cult groups, Deybam and Icelanders. The deadly confrontation resulted in the deaths of at least 19 individuals, with residents fleeing in fear for their lives.

The renewed violence is believed to be a continuation of an earlier attack on Wednesday, February 5, when unidentified gunmen suspected to be affiliated with one of the cult groups stormed the community and killed seven people. In retaliation, the rival group launched a counterattack on Sunday morning, targeting the relatives of those suspected to be responsible for the initial killings. The ensuing gun battle led to even more bloodshed, leaving the community in a state of terror.

Conflict Over Oil Levies Sparks Violence

According to reports from the Rivers State Police Command, the conflict is deeply rooted in a power struggle over levies collected from an oil company operating in the area. The two groups, Deybam and Icelanders, have been vying for control of these funds, leading to repeated clashes.

The police identified the key figures behind the ongoing violence as individuals known by their aliases, “Naked Wire” and “Carol.” While Rivers state police authorities officially reported ten casualties, local sources and eyewitness accounts suggest the death toll is significantly higher, reaching at least 19. Despite the severity of the situation, no arrests have been made so far by Rivers State police authority,raising concerns about the effectiveness of law enforcement in curbing the menace of cult violence.

Residents Flee as Fear Grips the Community

The recent bloodshed has forced many residents to abandon their homes in search of safety. Families, fearing further reprisals, have packed their belongings and fled to neighboring communities. Some have sought refuge in Port Harcourt and other urban centers, while others remain in hiding, uncertain about their future.

One resident, Kingsley, voiced the community’s growing desperation: “We are calling on the Rivers state government to come to our aid. These cults are trying to scatter the people we have in this community. We want the Rivers State police and army to help us.” Many others echoed similar concerns, stressing the need for immediate security reinforcements to prevent further loss of life and property.

Rivers State Government and Security Agencies Under Pressure

With the escalating violence, pressure is mounting on the Rivers State government and security agencies to take decisive action. Civil society groups and concerned citizens have called for increased military presence in the area to restore order and dismantle the cult networks responsible for the killings.

The Rivers state government has yet to issue an official statement on the crisis, but security experts argue that a long-term strategy, beyond reactive policing, is necessary to address the root causes of cultism and gang-related violence in the state. Many believe that tackling unemployment, strengthening law enforcement, and promoting community-based conflict resolution mechanisms could help reduce the prevalence of such deadly confrontations.

Cult-Related Violence in Rivers State: A Lingering Crisis

The situation in Obelle is a grim reminder of the persistent challenge posed by cult-related violence in Rivers State. Over the years, clashes between rival cult groups have claimed hundreds of lives, with communities often caught in the crossfire. Despite various government interventions, including amnesty programs and crackdowns on cult activities, the problem remains deeply entrenched.

Observers argue that addressing cultism requires a multi-faceted approach that involves community leaders, religious organizations, and youth empowerment initiatives. Without a lasting solution, many fear that Rivers State will continue to witness recurrent outbreaks of violence, leading to more deaths and displacement of innocent residents.

As the people of Obelle mourn their dead and struggle to cope with the aftermath of the latest attack, all eyes are now on the authorities to take meaningful steps to end the cycle of violence and restore lasting peace to the community.