There has been anxiety among residents of Rumuokparali community in
Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State as tension remains high
following a clash between security Operatives and suspected cultists.
The clash led to the killing of a member of the cult gang.
Trouble started when security operatives trailed some suspected cult youths to a party in the community following a tip-off.
An eyewitness in the community who confirmed the incident said the
suspected cultists engaged operatives of the State CID in an exchange of
fire which lasted for hours.
The eyewitness said when the operatives returned to the community,
some youths in collaboration with the hoodlums tried to resist the
operatives from making arrest of the suspects leading to sporadic
shooting.
He said, “During the shooting the Police killed one of the cultists.
When they returned to start arresting those who engaged them in the
shooting, the youths in the community got angry and collaborated with
the suspects to attack the Police.
“One patrol van was destroyed and burnt. They also took some riffles belonging to the Police.”
When contacted, Spokesman of the Rivers state Police Command, Nnamdi
Omoni confirmed the incident but said the level of damage is yet to be
ascertained.
Omoni said, “Be rest assured that those who attacked our men will not go unpunished.”