Communal and cult-related crises have erupted in two different towns in Rivers State, as nearly 20 people were allegedly killed as community leader clashed in Rumuekpe, Obio/Akpor Local Government area of the state, while cultists have almost shut down Bodo, in Gokana Local Government area.
The problem in Rumuekpe where Commissioner of Police, Mr Felix Ogbaudu said he has already dispatched his men to keep the peace, is over alleged community and youth leadership tussle. Community sources said the killings started at about midnight, into the early hours of yesterday and since the killings were selective, added to reprisal attacks, it was difficult knowing the actual number of those killed.
Ogbaudu, however, disputed the figures of casualties, pointing out that for a communal misunderstanding like that, there was no how 20 people could be killed within the period, but assured that it had been controlled.
Asked to give casualty figures, he said his men who got intelligence report on possible outbreak of violence in the area have taken positions and would later brief him.
THISDAY gathered that the chieftaincy and youth leadership dispute in Rumuekpe had been on for sometime, with the moves to placate the factions unsuccessful till one of the groups allegedly paid some cult groups in the community to attack the other.
The victims were said to have been taken unaware when they were attacked with machets, guns and other dangerous weapons and before they could realise what was happening, over 20 people laid bleeding and some dead.
Another source said the killings were limited to elders who attended stakeholders meeting with Governor Celestine Omehia earlier in the week, a situation that has made the other camp to not only put up resistance, but is preparing a reorisal attack.
Aug242007