Press Release
Cult clashes claim lives in Asaba
Suspected cult clashes between Aiye confraternity and vikings has claimed many lives in the capital city of Delta State.
According to a statement by the State’s aSmPolice Public Relations Officer, DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, suspects have been arrested in connection to the crime while efforts are being intensified to prevent further clashes between the rival cult groups
The full statement reads, “ on the 7/5/2019,a shooting incident was reported at Cable area of Asaba as a result of the face-off between two rival cult groups; the Aiye confraternity and Vikings.
“The Police patrol team on arrival at the scene found a young man already shot on the right eye lying in a pool of his own blood, he was quickly convened to Federal Medical Centre Asaba for medical attention but died while receiving treatment on 8/5/2019.
“Also, on same date, a corpse was found on the ground with knife stab on the left rib, some metres away from scene of earlier shooting and has been deposited at FMC, Mortuary.
“The deceased was later identified as Chijine Chigbata male, 54yrs old, a security guard with a private firm in Asaba.
“On 8/5/2019, the continued face-off between the two rival cults, claimed two more lives of suspected cult members. The victims, one Jude Nwakama male and Okwudili Ozah male aged 26yrs were attacked with battle axe and knife at different locations in Akuofu and Oduke area of Asaba.
“Meanwhile, one Samuel Okwuonyekwu male, a confessed member of Aiye confraternity and two others have been arrested by SARS Operatives in connection with the crises.
“One locally made double barrel short gun was recovered from one of the arrested suspects.
“Investigation is still on-going to crackdown on other fleeing suspects. While patrol and surveillance have been intensified within the metro to forestall further attacks.
“The CP in his effort to nib violence crimes in the bud have held various meetings with stakeholders, especially, the volunteer anti-cult groups, vigilante groups, strengthened the conventional stop and search, create tactical operation point and aggressive patrol, all these have yielded positive results.
“The CP has warned that there is no safe haven for criminals in the State, it is either they quit crime or relocate from the State, while assuring members of the public of his commitment to their safety and security at all times”.