Tension forced its way back to Okrika in Rivers State on Sunday night as two local cult leaders were shot dead in separate attacks within and outside the community. The two incidents occurred just as the leader of Obio/Akpor local government legislative House was abducted earlier in the day.
One of the deceased, Sunday Opuambe, the bearded vocal leader of the Bush Boys gang, otherwise known as the Peacemakers, was gunned down at a drinking spot on Abuloma Road near Port Harcourt.
The unspecified number of gunmen were said to have trailed Opuambe to the relaxation spot and rained bullets on him at about 9.35pm.
Opuambe’s Bush Boys served as Okrika’s local vigilante outfit until it was routed by Ateke Tom’s dreaded Niger Delta Vigilante several years ago.
Earlier same day, the Head of the Greenlanders, another local cult group in the community, simply identified as Theoplilus, was shot by unknown gunmen.
No group had claimed responsibility for the attacks as at press time.
However, there was rife speculation that a rival cult group was responsible for the killings.
Elsewhere in the outskirts of Port Harcourt, the Leader of Obio/Akpor Council legislature, Mr Ahamefula Amadi, was abducted.
It was gathered that unknown gunmen in a blue Mercedez Benz car kidnapped him at about 12 noon along Rumuokrushi/Shell Road near Port Harcourt.
The gunmen were said to have forced the legislator into the boot of their car and sped off.
Police spokesperson in the state, Mrs Rita Inoma-Abbey (DSP), confirmed Opuambe ‘s death and the abduction of the council lawmaker.