Tension grips the Diobu axis of Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, following the fatal shootings of a vigilante member and an ex-vigilante member by suspected cultists on Saturday night.
According to reports, the incident occurred at the Obidanso waterfront in the Mile 1 area of the metropolis around 9 pm. Members of the Diobu Vigilante, accompanied by police officers, had responded to a tip-off regarding the activities of rival cult groups in the area.
Upon arrival, the suspected cultists, reportedly belonging to a group known as ‘Deygbam,’ ambushed the security operatives and opened fire. Tragically, a vigilante member identified as Orukwo was hit by a bullet and succumbed to his injuries.
Meanwhile, mourners gathered at Orukwo’s family home on Ekwulobia Street Mile 3 in Diobu to pay their respects.
In a separate incident, suspected cultists, believed to be the same assailants, fatally shot a man known as ‘Umo,’ an ex-member of the Diobu Vigilante, around 11 pm on Saturday at Kaduna Street D-Line in Port Harcourt.
Umo, allegedly involved in criminal activities, had been expelled from the vigilante group prior to his death. There are suspicions that a rival cult group may be responsible for the killing, given the timing of the incident.
Confirming the incidents, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, stated that investigations are underway. While acknowledging the criminal background of one of the victims, she assured that efforts are being made to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.