One Shot Dead As Rivers Cult War Spreads

Published

3 years ago

April 20, 2023

The recent clash among rival cult groups in the Diobu axis of Port Harcourt continued on Wednesday night with one shot dead.

The latest victim, popularly known as Asari, who was in his twenties, was killed at about 7:55 pm along Ekwe/Ikwerre road, Mile 3 Diobu in the metropolis.

Eyewitnesses said ‘Asari’ was standing with some persons when about five armed men came out from a car, rained bullets on him and zoomed off.

The PUNCH correspondent who visited the area on Thursday morning gathered from sources that the killing was said to be a supremacy war between two suspected factions of ‘D12 and Blackies’ cult gangs.

One of the eyewitnesses told our correspondent that the cult groups have alliances.

“The Deygbam cult groups (History and Black Axe Houses) that are affiliated to the D12 and BS houses of Deygbam cult groups respectively

“They were recently engaged in a shoot out at Elechi beach in Mile 1 Diobu PortHarcourt last Tuesday which claimed two lives. Now the war has spread to Mile 3,” the source said.

It was also gathered that the shooting caused pandemonium, as passersby, road users and commuters scampered to safety while roadside traders within the scene hurriedly closed business for the day.

Speaking of the incident, a vigilante and Chief Security Officer of Nkpolu Oroworukwo in Mile 3 Diobu, Godstime Ihunwo, confirmed the identity of the victim.

He disclosed that persons believed to be members of the victim’s cult gang carted away his corpse before his team and policemen returned to the scene.

Ihunwo stated, “At about 8 pm on Wednesday, we heard two gunshots at IKwerre road /Ekwe Street opposite Bishop Okoye Street and quickly rushed down to the scene.

“On reaching there, we saw a young man known and called ‘Asari’ laying dead and immediately we approached the Nkpolu Police station to tender our report.

“As we and the police were coming back to inspect the corpse, we got a report that some unknown gunmen drove with one Jetta and one Mazda and made away with the corpse.”

When contacted, the spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said she heard about the incident but was yet to be briefed officially on it.

“I will get back to you as soon as I receive the situation report this morning,” Iringe-Koko said.

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

Published

4 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
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Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
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The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
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‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
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‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
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He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
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Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.