3 killed, many injured as rival cult groups clash at birthday party in Delta

By Ovasa Ogaga,

Rival cult groups clash over the weekend have reportedly left at least three persons dead and many others with life-threatening injuries during a birthday party at a popular drinking bar in Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Advocate gathered that guests believed to members of the different cult groups had defied the social distance for social gathering ordered by Delta State government and the Chairman of Ughelli North local government who had earlier ordered for all dirking bars and night clubs to be shut to check the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

It was further gathered that there is heightened tension currently in the town following the clash,  and if not the swift intervention of security agencies brought the situation under control, there would have been more bloodbath.

According to Niger Delta Today report, members of the rival cult groups had attended the birthday party of a young lady, however; trouble started midway into the party a fight broke out among some armed youths at the venue leading to the killing of the three boys.

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A source who witnessed the attack said many of the injured were rushed to an undisclosed hospital in the area.

Another source noted that four unidentified armed men stormed the bar and opened fire on the guests including the celebrant, who was reportedly shot on both legs.

According to a source, “A girl was celebrating her birthday in the bar when the boys, about four of them, entered the place with pump-action and shot at the people. The guy who sponsored the party was shot in the stomach, while the girl was shot on her legs.

“Three people died instantly. The others were rushed to a clinic. We don’t really know why it happened, but might be all those their cult fights. The bar is kind of enclosed, that is why people could not really run away.”

Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Hafiz Inuwa confirmed the incident on Tuesday when contacted.

Inuwa, said, “I got a report that some people went to the bar and opened fire. As a result, one died in the bar. While two others were taken to the hospital, one died on the way and the other died in the hospital.

“Then two others sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital. Three actually died and we are hunting for the perpetrators.

“It’s more like a cult-related issue, but we are not going to narrow our scope. We want to know the motive and those perpetrators. We are working hand-in-hand with some well-meaning members to get information.”