Sixteen persons were reportedly shot dead, Wednesday, in Ula Upata community, Ahoada East local government area by suspected cultists.
The Rivers state Police command on its part said it was aware of the death of eight. The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Muhammad in a text message to the Vanguard said suspected cultists were behind the brutal murder, adding that the timely intervention of Policemen saved the community of more death by the rampaging cultists.
“The incident was more of cult-related heinous activities at Ula Upata community, Ahoada East local government area. Eight persons were killed.
Quick intervention by our men for stalled the situation from escalating. One of the suspected cultists was arrested and an English pump action gun recovered from him. Investigation is right now ongoing”, he said.
An eye witness, Mr Frank Alabi said he was in his room in the village when suddenly he started hearing gunshots, adding that he quickly ran into a nearby bush where he monitored all that happened.
He said the assailants after killing ten in his Ula Upata village moved to to Ahoada West to kill another six persons,
“I saw everything. I was in my room when about five boys started shooting. The killing started about 12.5am. I was in my house when I saw the killers. They were five persons. They carried three AK47 and two pump actin. I called the DPO and the JTF.”
One of those killed was a Police Corporal and nine others in the community before they later moved to Ahoada West to kill another six persons.
Continuing, he said the JTF that responded to his distress call arrested one of the cultists.
Former Deputy Speaker , Federal House of Representatives, Hon Chibudum Nwuche condemned the killing, urging the Inspector General to intervene to save the state from further cult related killings.
