A clash involving two rival cult groups in Ughelli, Ughelli north local government area of Delta State, has claimed four lives.
The unidentified victims were alleged to be members of the Aye and Bagger confraternities.
The clashes began last Thursday and lingered till the weekend when it became fatal when two individuals were killed in the Okogbe area of Otovwodo, while the other two lost their lives near Iwhreko and Ogor Park on Sunday morning.
The conflict arose over debt collection between the two groups when one of the victims allegedly sold drugs to a member of the rival cult on credit.
Reports indicate that a dispute erupted when one of the victims sought to recover the money.
“The debtor, one of the cult groups, was confronted by the victim demanding repayment, resulting in an altercation where the victim was severely assaulted.
“Subsequently, the victim retaliated by attacking his debtor with a weapon in a separate encounter.
“The argument sparked further violence between the two groups and led to fatal confrontations within Ughelli,” he stated.
Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Edafe Bright, confirmed the deaths and mentioned that one of the cult leaders had engaged with law enforcement to address the escalating tensions and seek a resolution.
