One Killed in Rivers Cult Clash Over Girlfriend, Police Launch Manhunt
A young man was shot dead following a violent intra-cult clash in the Mile 1 Axis of Diobu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with reports indicating the confrontation was sparked by a dispute over a girlfriend. The tragic incident occurred on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, along Abakiliki Street, where factions of the Deybam cult group, identified as BS and D12 houses, engaged in a deadly confrontation.
Violence Erupts Over Territorial Control and Romantic Rivalry
Residents informed Daily Trust that the violence involved suspected members of the Doggies and White Eagles factions of the Deybam cult group. These groups were said to be battling not only for territorial control in the area but also for the attention of a young woman, which escalated tensions leading to the fatal shooting.
The situation intensified when the cult groups went on a rampage, resulting in the death of one member from a rival faction. It was gathered that the victim had gone to buy bread at a nearby shop when he was ambushed by gunmen who arrived in a vehicle and opened fire on him.
Panic and Police Response
The shooting caused widespread panic in the neighbourhood, with residents and passersby fleeing for safety to avoid being caught in the crossfire. Officers from the Mile 1 Division later arrived at the scene and evacuated the body shortly after the attackers fled, restoring some semblance of order.
The spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, stating that a manhunt had been launched for the killers. She linked the killing to an intra-cult clash among members of a group in Diobu, emphasizing the police's commitment to addressing such violence.
Police Commissioner Orders Investigation and Reinforces Security
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered a manhunt for the perpetrators with a view to bringing them to justice. Security has been reinforced in the area as investigation continues, she added, highlighting ongoing efforts to prevent further incidents and ensure public safety in Port Harcourt.
