By Kelvin Utebor
WARRI: A Cult clash has left a man identified simply as Tuoyo, and three persons dead in Ekurede Itsekiri and Egbokodo, communities near Ubeji, both in Warri South Local Government Area Of Delta State.
The Union Nigeria learnt that the incident occurred on Wednesday evening.
Sources said that, “one of the deceased (victims) was killed in Ekurede Itsekiri community, and the other three were also shot in Egbokodo community. Yesterday evening in a suspected cult clashes.”
“The victim shot in Egbokodo is identified simply as Tuoyo, while the others (numbering three) was reportedly a youth leader in Ekurede community”.
On his part, the immediate past chairman of Warri South Local Government Area of the State, Dr Michael Tidi, called on the community leaders and stakeholders across the Local Government Area to put a stop to the cult related issues by joining in the fight against the vice.
“In a statement made available to journalist in Warri, Tidi condemned the regular rate of cult-related killings in the council area.
“Killings must stop, “stakeholders come with volunteer information to security agencies on the whereabouts of these suspected cultists.
“These cult killings are getting too much. Somebody was killed in Merogun on Monday.
“This evening (Wednesday) one person was shot at Ekurede Itsekiri community. I was told he was the Secretary of the youth leadership of that community.
“Again, about forty minutes ago, three persons were gunned down at Egbokodo axis in Ubeji, Warri South.
“I want to call on the community leaders and all stakeholders to volunteer information to the security agencies about these criminals in their community. They should rid their communities of these bad eggs because the police and the army are not spirits. They need information to be able to do their work because they do not reside in these communities.
“The communities should not be too quick to condemn Government and law enforcement agents when things like this happen. They should set their priorities straight and help themselves by volunteering information to security agents.
“I also want all well-meaning Waffarians to come together and condemn these actions. Nobody should use the unavailability of jobs as a reason for committing these heinous crimes. Criminality should be condemned in its strongest terms.
“So no economic reasons should be advanced for these killings. Cultism is evil and it should be condemned by all, including our spiritual leaders. The church should not relent in preaching against this menace,” Tidi added.
When contacted for comment, the State Police public relations officer PPRO, DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, confirmed the incident.
She said, “Yes, it is true. Four people were shot.
“As at the time we got the report no body have been arrested, I don’t know for now if there is any arrest.” PPRO added
