Suspected cult members have reportedly shot three persons to death at Oteri and Ekiugbo communities of Ughelli, Delta State.
The clash also resulted in the burning of at least two houses at Oteri community.
One of the deceased was a young man who recently returned from Ghana.
It was gathered that trouble started when the Ghana returnee assaulted his estranged girlfriend which led to a reprisal attack from the girl’s brother.
The Ghana returnee was reported killed during the attack which led to his brothers and and their friends believed to be cultists to join the fight. In the ensuing fracas, two other persons were reportedly killed.
It was further gathered that the late Ghana returnee and his estranged girlfriend’s brother were members of rival cult groups.
The Chairman of Oteri Community, Efe Odibo, confirmed the incident, and said that property worth millions of naria was destroyed in the fight.
The chairman stated that a dusk-to-dawn curfew has been imposed in the community to forestall escalation of the clash.
According to him, “We condemned the loss of loved ones and property. However, the Oteri community has decided to impose a one-week curfew starting from today, Monday between the hours of 8pm and 6am.
“The combined security agents, the army, police and local vigilantes will be on ground to enforce the curfew and if anyone is caught, such a person would be made to face the wrath of the law.”
The Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, confirmed that one person was killed in the attacks and that the matter was not reported to the police.
Credit: Niger Delta Today