Metro

UPDATED: Rivers Community Deserted As Cultists Kill 19 Residents

Published

1 year ago

February 10, 2025

No fewer than 19 people were feared killed in a renewed cult clash in Obelle Community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State on Sunday.

The development has sparked panic in the area as residents have deserted the community for safety.

It would be recalled that on Wednesday, unidentified gunmen believed to be members of a cult group invaded the community and killed seven people.

While the community was still reeling in the pain of the incident, on Sunday morning, the two cult groups in the area resumed their battle for supremacy after over two years of vacation.

It was gathered that the supremacy battle on Sunday was between the Deybam and Icelanders cult groups.

It was learnt that after the Wednesday killing, the group whose members were killed on Sunday invaded Obelle community and started attacking relatives of those perceived to be part of the cult group that earlier killed seven people.

A source in the area, who gave his name simply as Kingsley, alleged that it was while the group who lost their members on Wednesday was operating that the rivals arrived.

Kingsley said, “On Sunday, cultists clashed in our community. Many people have been killed. Innocent people were killed. The shooting was too much and the people started leaving the community. About 19 people have been killed.

“On Sunday morning, some cultists came out and started shooting. They were attacking relatives of the people they said were members of the gang that killed their members. It did not take time, the other group came out. They started shooting themselves. People from the two groups also died.

“We are calling on the government to come to our aid. These cults are trying to scatter the people we have in this community. We want the police and army to help us.”

When contacted, the spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, saying the clash was linked to levies from an oil company in the area, saying the number of casualty was 10.

She stated, “It is a cult clash between loyalists of Naked Wire and Carol. They are fighting over the control of levies from an oil company operative in the area.

“About 10 confirmed dead. No arrest yet, but investigation is ongoing.”

Metro

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

Published

26 minutes 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.