A clash between two rival cult groups claimed five lives in Abuja Estate in the Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State on Saturday night.

The clash was between the Icelanders and Greenlanders cult gangs.

Although the immediate cause of the clash could not be ascertained, residents said there was serious shooting for over two hours.

Following the sound of gunshots, residents of the estate scampered for safety, while others remained indoors.

An eyewitness said the two gangs had been engaged in a supremacy battle and territorial control for a long time.

The eyewitness, who pleaded anonymity, said, “What I know is that the Icelanders and Greenlanders have been challenging each other. It was not surprising that they will clash anytime. The shooting yesterday was much. It lasted for over two hours.

“Nobody knows what really happened, but till this morning (Sunday) there were dead bodies on the floor,” he added.

When contacted, spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident.

Iringe-Koko also confirmed that it was a supremacy battle, saying operatives have been deployed to the area.

She said, “In what appears to be fight for supremacy, five persons are reportedly killed. The names of the deceased persons include Chukwuemeka Kingsley, 36, Chibuike Thankgod, 28. Three other copses are yet to be identified.

“Meanwhile, tactical patrol teams have been mobilised to the area to restore normalcy, and investigation into the incident is in progress,” she added. (The PUNCH)