Army reads riot act as cultists kill over 30 in Rivers, says control of oil theft fuels cult wars
The army may step in as cult gangs run freely in Rivers State, killings scores in what looks like supremacy fight from one community to another. Suspected cult gangs raided several villages from Ikwerre to Ohoada and Emuohua parts of the state killings over 30.
As groups called for reassurances and response from the state government, the Nigerian Army spoke up, saying the issues of cult clashes in the state had assumed an alarming dimension and a source of security concern in the state.
The Army Public Relations officer (APRO) of the 2nd Brigade of the Nigerian Army (Bori Camp), Eli Lazarus, said in a brief statement in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, that the killings had intensified in the past few days.
He said: “In the past few days, cult clashes were recorded in communities in Ikwerre and Emuoha LGAs of the State with several deaths recorded. Amongst these deaths are some of our personnel who were part of the team that responded to distress calls to prevent the situation from further degenerating.”
According to Lazarus, preliminary investigation revealed that the acts were cult wars of dominance between Icelanders and other cult groups. “This is seemingly motivated by the quest for economic advantage suspected to be connected to oil theft and illegal bunkering activities.”
Urging the gangs to hand over their arms, the Army said soldiers were under instructions to respond fiercely. He said any such attacks on any community would be met with full military action. “The viciousness and bestiality displayed by these cultists in killing their rivals have no place in any civilised society. The level of violence and carnage recorded in the past few days must be eschewed and denounced by all peace loving and law abiding people of Rivers State. Those involved must never be allowed to go unpunished”.
He called on the youths not to be misguided to save them from self-destruction. “Parents are therefore advised to warn their children/wards against belonging to or associating with any cult group. Anyone caught will not be spared. Additionally, information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators of these heinous crime and their patrons is hereby solicited from the general public. Be assured that all information volunteered in this regard will be treated as confidential”.
He added: “The people are urged to remain calm and go about their lawful activities as security agencies will continue to work assiduously and make sacrifices in the performance of their constitutional roles and relate with all well meaning citizens to identify these criminal groups and bring them to justice.”