Four persons killed, houses set ablaze as cultists clash
The latest cultists clash in Kabawa, a native area in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital has left no fewer than four persons dead and five houses completely burnt.
According to the DAILY POST, the crisis started on Monday night as two rival cult groups engaged themselves in a free for all which led to killings and burning of houses in the area.
Due to the fear of being killed, residents of the area and their families have reportedly fled the place as the cult clash worsens.
A source told the Daily Post that it was an act of revenge that led to the clash as a member of one of the cult groups had last week killed a member from a rival cult group in the area.
The sources added that the cultists, who were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons, invaded some houses, attacked people and burned houses they believe belong to their rival groups.
It was gathered that the cultists also engaged the police in a gun battle for hours on Tuesday when the police stormed the area to restore peace.
To avoid being arrested, some members of the cultists reportedly jumped into the River Niger after being overpowered by the Police.
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP William Aya, while confirming the incident said 15 suspects have been arrested by the command.
He added that presently the command can only confirm that one person was killed and that they are still investigating what led to the incident.
The State Government has also warned that it will take proactive actions against whoever is involved in the crisis.
Similarly, the State Security Adviser, Commander, Duro Jerry Omodara (Rtd), warned cultists and other miscreants fomenting trouble in traditional areas of Lokoja to be ready for the government’s onslaught as it has vowed not to allow anybody rubbish its successes in the area of security.
