A Violent cult clash has claimed three lives in Warri, Delta State. It was gathered that two suspected members of the E-ye confraternity were shot dead on Thursday night in the Odion area, while a member of the rival Vikings group, identified simply as Five Alive, was killed on Wednesday in Ugbwuwangwe community.

Sources told newsmen that the conflict stemmed from a dispute between Five Alive and another youth, Shocker, reportedly over a girlfriend. The quarrel escalated into deadly violence.
“The whole thing started from the struggle for the heart of a girl. It was poorly managed and degenerated into killings,” a resident of Ugbwuwangwe said.

At press time, tension gripped Warri, with residents appealing to security operatives to intervene and restore calm.
The Chairman of the Anti-Cult Unit in Warri Zone, Mr. Justice Afor, said he had earlier warned of possible clashes after the first killing.

He explained that he had gone around urging residents to be vigilant, but community leaders failed to act.
“Our major challenge is that community leaders are not responsive. Security is everybody’s concern. Even security agents can’t do much without collaboration. I raised concerns after the first killing, but nothing was done. Now, two more have been killed in Odion, and one in Ugbwuwangwe,” Afor said.

He confirmed that Bobby was among those killed in Odion, while Five Alive was the first victim in Ugbwuwangwe.
“Five Alive was a member of the Vikings, while Shocker belonged to E-ye. They were dragging a girl, and those who tried to manage the situation failed. If security agents had been involved early, the boys would have fled,” he added.

Afor appealed to community leaders to promptly involve the police and other security agencies in matters of cultism.
“The government should sensitize communities to always refer cult-related issues to security agents and work closely with them,” he pleaded.