Fresh fears have gripped residents of Warri, Delta State, following a renewed wave of cult-related violence that reportedly claimed two lives during a bloody clash between suspected rival cult groups in the oil-rich city.
The latest incident, which occurred on Sunday night at 3rd Marine Gate near Deco Junction in Igbudu Community, Warri south local government area, has heightened security concerns and renewed calls for urgent action to curb the growing menace of cultism across the area.
Condemning the killings, the Initiative for Social Rights Concerns and Advancements (ISRCA), popularly known as “No Justice, No Peace,” described the resurgence of cult violence as a dangerous development capable of destabilising communities and endangering innocent residents.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that the confrontation involved suspected members of the rival Eiye and Aro Bagger confraternities.
Two persons were reportedly killed during the clash, although authorities have yet to confirm whether the victims were members of either group.
The incident has sparked anxiety among residents who fear possible retaliatory attacks and a further escalation of violence in the metropolis.
In a statement issued in Warri, ISRCA National Coordinator, Comrade (Amb.) Derrick Agberen, lamented what he described as the disturbing return of cult-related killings, noting that more than four young men had reportedly lost their lives to similar violence in recent weeks.
Agberen accused certain community actors of allegedly enabling criminal elements for political and personal interests, warning that such actions were contributing to the proliferation of cult groups and worsening insecurity in the region.
According to the rights group, the unchecked activities of cult gangs have fueled illegal drug trafficking, the circulation of dangerous weapons, and the recruitment of youths into criminal networks, creating a cycle of violence that continues to threaten public safety.
“The increasing rate of cult-related killings and criminal activities is becoming alarming and requires immediate intervention by all relevant stakeholders,” the statement said.
ISRCA called on the Delta State Police Command to urgently convene a stakeholders’ security meeting involving community leaders, youth representatives, and security agencies to formulate lasting measures against the recurring violence.
The group also urged law enforcement agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the killings.
Highlighting the root causes of the menace, ISRCA identified youth unemployment, poor parental supervision, substance abuse, and inadequate government intervention as major factors pushing young people into cultism.
The organisation warned that failure to address these underlying issues could further endanger the future of many youths and deepen insecurity across Delta State.
It further appealed to local vigilante groups and the Anti-Cult Volunteers Corps operating within the Warri axis to strengthen collaboration with security agencies in efforts to dismantle cult networks and prevent future attacks.
ISRCA stressed that beyond security operations, the Delta State Government must prioritise youth empowerment, job creation, and social intervention programmes as part of a comprehensive strategy to tackle cultism and restore lasting peace in affected communities.
As of press time, the Delta State Police Command is yet to respond to message seeking clarifications on the latest killings.
However, residents have called for increased security presence in flashpoint areas to forestall further bloodshed and restore public confidence.
Credit: Leadership newspaper except headline
