At least 19 people are feared dead after a violent clash between rival cult groups rocked Obelle Community on Sunday. Terrified residents fled their homes as gunfire echoed through the area. This is the second deadly attack in a week, following a similar clash last Wednesday that killed seven people.
The latest violence involved two notorious cult groups—Deybam and Icelanders—who reignited a long-standing feud after lying low for over two years. According to locals, the attack was revenge for last week’s killings. Armed members of one group stormed the community, targeting families of their rivals. This sparked a fierce gun battle that left the streets littered with casualties.
“It was terrifying,” said Kingsley, a resident. “They started shooting early Sunday morning, and it didn’t stop. Innocent people were caught in the crossfire. About 19 people are dead, and many more are injured. We’re begging the government to save us before these cults destroy our community.”
The gunfire sent residents running for safety, with many abandoning their homes. The community, still recovering from last week’s violence, now lives in constant fear of another attack.
Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the incident but said details were still unclear. “We are aware of the situation and have deployed officers to restore order. We are gathering more information and will take necessary action,” she said.
However, residents say the police response isn’t enough. “We need the army here,” a resident insisted. “These cults are too powerful, and we can’t fight them alone. Our community is falling apart.”
Cult-related violence has become a recurring problem in Rivers State, with rival groups battling for control and leaving trails of bloodshed. The latest clash highlights the deep-rooted insecurity in the region, raising urgent questions about the government’s ability to protect vulnerable communities.
As Obelle mourns its dead, residents are pleading for immediate intervention. “We can’t keep living like this,” said one of the residents. “Our children are scared, our homes are empty, and our future is uncertain. We need help now.”
The clock is ticking for authorities to act before the next clash erupts. For now, Obelle remains a community under siege, caught in the crossfire of a deadly war it never asked for.