Gunmen suspected to be cultists invaded two communities in Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, killing six persons.
It was gathered that the rampaging gunmen stormed Abarikpo community in Ahoada East at about 4:am on Wednesday, May 31, and killed one person while five persons, including the young man pictured above, were murdered in Odiereke-Ubie community, Ahoada West on Tuesday.
This came barely 48 hours after suspected cultists killed four persons and beheaded two of the victims in Emuoha Local Government Area of the state.
The Public Relations Officer of Akoh Youth Congress, Ahoada East local government area, Ekeakita Chinem, who confirmed the incident to newsmen, said the gunmen rode in motorcycles while searching for their targets.
“At about 4 am this morning, a group of cult boys who reside at neighbouring community, came to Abarikpo community, Ahoada East,” he said.
“They were searching for some persons. Unluckily, one Aburi Dickson Edi was found in his house sleeping. They badged into his house, shot him in the stomach.
“They took the bike (okada) down to their hideout. Then in Odiereke Ubie community, Ahoada West, five youths were killed on Tuesday night.”
The youth leader alleged that the gunmen who reside in the forest had demanded a specified sum of money from the communities, but that they refused to pay.
“They said Odereke community should pay N1 million to these boys living in the bush. And this community do not have money. Most people in the community were not even at home. Even the five youths were returning from the farm when they met their untimely death.
“The hoodlums came in three bikes and left after committing the act,” expressing sadness that such killings happen on a weekly basis.”
Mr. Chinem called on the new Commissioner of Police in the State, Polycarp Emeka to rise to the occasion and ensure the culprits are brought to book.
Spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident.
“Yes, I can confirm that six persons were killed. An investigation is ongoing to apprehend the suspects.