There is currently tension in the Diobu axis of PortHarcourt, Rivers State capital as gunmen suspected to be cultists shot dead a vigilante at Obidanso waterfront, in the Mile 1 part of the metropolis on Saturday night.
It was gathered that members of the group known as Diobu Vigilante in the company of policemen while acting on a tip off about the activities of cult groups’ cults stormed the waterfront at about 9pm.
A source said that on getting there, the suspected gang members were said to have laid ambush to attack a rival group in an ongoing war between two houses of suspected gang known as ‘Deygbam’.
The source, who spoke on condition anonymity, said, “The suspected cultists, on sighting the security operatives, opened fire and bullet caught the vigilante member. His name is Orukwo, which resulted in his death.”
Meanwhile, our correspondent, who visited the family house of Orukwo at Ekwulobia Street Mile 3 in Diobu, saw mourners in their numbers.
In a similar development, suspected cultists believed to be the same assailants have shot dead a man identified as ‘Umo’ an ex-member of the Diobu Vigilante at about 11pm on Saturday at Kaduna Street D-Line in PortHarcourt
It was gathered that the victim (Umo) alleged to be a member of a cult group was sacked from the vigilante group over suspected criminal activities.
The source said he suspected that a rival cult group may have been responsible for Umo’ killing, saying, “Because if you check, the same killing took place on Saturday night. ”
When contacted, the spokesperson of the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the two incidents, saying investigation is ongoing.
She stated, “Yes, I can confirm the two incidents. But one of them is a notorious criminal. But, investigation is ongoing.
“Our men are in the area to ensure that those behind the shooting are apprehended to make them face the law. “