From Blessing Ibunge, Port Harcourt
Battle for cult supremacy has claimed one life on Monday, at an illegal market in Mile 3 axis of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
It was gathered that battle ensued between suspected Iceland and Deybam cult group over who collects ‘security fee’ at the said illegal market located at Ekwe, Ikom, National Streets in Mile 3 Diobu, Port Harcourt .
Eyewitness told The AUTHORITY that suspected Deygbam cult group stormed the market early hours of Monday and reportedly told their rival that they should be allowed to collect the ‘security fee’ for the day but their opponents refused which resulted to a fight.
The eyewitness continued that, one of the suspected cultist known as Chisco Uzoma believed to be a member of Iceland cult group was shot dead during the conflict.
Our correspondent reported that different Police patrol vans belongings to Nkpolu Divisional Police headquarters, Mile 3 and tactical units of the Rivers State Police command are stationed at the area of incident.
Some traders who pleaded anonymity told our correspondent that many passersby and traders selling at the illegal market where the incident occurred where arrested by the Police.
Meanwhile, at Press time the spokesperson of Rivers State Police command, DSP Nnamdi Omoni was yet to confirm the incident.
But the local Chief Security Officer of Rumu-Elechi, Godstime Ihunwo has Confirmed the incident.
However, some residents of the area had fears that there may be a reprisal attack if adequate security Is not provided by the Police and other security agencies.
