A clash between two rival cult groups in Ozoro, a town in Delta State, Nigeria, resulted in one death and four arrests on Monday night. The incident caused panic and disruption of commercial activities in the community, as traders and business owners closed their shops to avoid being looted.
According to sources, the cult groups involved were members of Eiye Confraternity and Vikings, who engaged in a shootout for several hours. The police confirmed that one person was killed in the clash, while four suspects were arrested.
Cult violence is a recurring problem in Delta State, where several lives have been lost in recent years. In October 2020, four people were killed in a cult clash at Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South Local Council. In December 2020, three people were killed in another cult clash at Ogwashi-Uku. In July 2021, five people were killed in a cult clash at Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Council.
The state government and security agencies have been making efforts to curb the menace of cultism and restore peace and order in the affected communities. The state police command has also warned youths to shun cultism and other criminal activities or face the full wrath of the law.
The residents of Ozoro have appealed to the authorities to provide adequate security and protection for them, and to bring the perpetrators of the cult clash to justice. They also urged the youths to embrace dialogue and peaceful coexistence, and to channel their energies into productive ventures.
Source: [Vanguard]