Two rival cult groups – Asland and Deegbam – have invaded Obitti autonomous community in Ohaji/Egbema Council Area of Imo State, chasing away the indigenes.
The rampaging cult groups in their latest attack took over the entire community after killing one person and wounding many villagers.
They also burnt several buildings belonging to their members.
An indigene of the community, Chief Emmanuel Odunze, called for urgent intervention of both the security agencies and government to restore normalcy and protect the people.
He said, “As I speak with you now, the entire community has been deserted by the owners for their own safety”.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Niger Delta Affairs, Justus Ojika, condemned the incident and appealed to the villagers to remain calm and not to take laws into their hands.
Ojika, who said the villagers had been subjected to threats, extorted, abducted and brutalised over time by the suspected cultists, regretted the development.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Andrew Enwerem, said the Imo State Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere, and the Commissioner of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, had visited the area and were working to end the conflict.
