At least three people have died in a violent clash between rival cult groups in Warri, Delta State, heightening fears across the city.
Two victims, believed to be members of the Eya confraternity, were shot dead in the Odion area. A third, a Vikings confraternity member known as Five Alive, was killed in Ugbuwangue community.
Local sources told Vanguard the violence erupted from a dispute between Five Alive and a youth called Shocker over a woman. The argument spiraled out of control after poor handling, leading to the fatal attacks.
“The whole issue started from a struggle over a girl. It was badly handled and later degenerated into killings,” a Ugbuwangue resident said.
Palpable tension grips Warri as residents urge security agencies to deploy forces and restore order.
Warri Zone Anti-Cultism Committee Chairman, Mr. Justice Afor, confirmed the incident to Vanguard. He had warned of escalation after the first killing in Ugbuwangue, but community leaders allegedly ignored his alerts to stay vigilant.
“Our major challenge is the lack of responsiveness from community leaders. Security is everybody’s concern. I raised an alarm that someone had been killed and that it could escalate, but nothing was done,” Afor said.
He noted two more deaths followed in Odion, with the third in Ugbuwangue on Wednesday night.
