There was tension, yesterday, in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South Local Council of Delta State, following the reported killing of three suspected cultists by rival cult groups.

It was learnt that the alleged murder of one Ekene, a member of a rival cult group in Ogwashi-Uku by a five-man cult group over land issue triggered killings among rival cult groups.

Sources said the deceased was missing for about two days without anyone knowing his whereabouts.

“But on the third day, some youths saw one of the suspects who allegedly participated in the murder of Ekene riding on his motorcycle.

“The youths gave the young man a hot chase and succeeded in apprehending him. On interrogation, he confessed to the murder of Ekene and also named others who participated in the crime.

“The killers are a rival cult gang who murdered Ekene over land issue. The Suspects even took them to the shallow grave where they buried Ekene after killing him.

“It is the cult members of the deceased that embarked on the reprisal attacks,” the source added.

It was also learnt that his remains were exhumed, while investigation is ongoing. Three corpses were also alleged to be cult members that have been cut down due to the clash.

When The Guardian contacted a local security source in Ogwashi-Uku, he debunked the information making the round in the metropolis that about three persons were killed.

“No it is not true that three persons have so far been killed. I am aware of only one person who was killed somewhere at Agidiehe quarters road.

“In fact, some of our men were among the people that moved the body to the morgue. The story that three people were killed by rival cult groups is not true,” the vigilante member said.

Spokesperson for the police Command, Bright Edafe, who confirmed the incident, said: “ I’m still waiting for the Divisional Police Officer of Ogwashi-Uku Division to give me the exact number of deaths.” (The Guardian: Text, excluding headline)

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