Palpable tension has gripped Oviri-Olomu Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State following a deadly cult clash that reportedly claimed one life and left several others injured, prompting the community to declare an all-out war against cult-related activities and demand the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
The resolution was reached during an emergency meeting of Oviri-Olomu indigenes at home and in the diaspora on Tuesday, where community leaders unanimously resolved to collaborate with security agencies to flush out cultists and restore peace to the troubled community.
According to reports, the violence was triggered by a power struggle between rival cult groups after a member allegedly defected from one cult group to another, sparking a retaliatory attack. During the ensuing violence, a grandson of the community was reportedly pursued into the neighbouring Ovwodokpor community and killed in broad daylight, while other victims were allegedly hunted down and attacked at different locations.
The latest incident has heightened fears among residents and reignited concerns over the resurgence of cult violence in Oviri-Olomu and neighbouring communities.
The community's action follows an earlier directive by the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Albert Akpomudje, SAN, Eyavwie Alaka I, had placed a total ban on cultism and illicit drug activities throughout Olomu Kingdom, warning that anyone found engaging in such acts would face the full weight of the law.
Speaking on behalf of the community, President-General of Oviri-Olomu, Engr. Peter Arumala, said the people had resolved that everyone connected with the killings must be arrested and prosecuted without political or community interference.
"We have unanimously agreed that everyone involved in this criminal act must be arrested and prosecuted. Nobody from Oviri-Olomu Community should stand as surety or seek the bail of anyone arrested in connection with this incident. We want the law to take its full course so justice can be served," Arumala declared.
He disclosed that although several suspects had fled the community, victims who survived the attacks had identified some of the alleged perpetrators, expressing confidence that ongoing intelligence gathering and collaboration with the Nigeria Police would lead to their arrest.
The President-General also dismissed allegations that members of the community leadership supplied weapons to the suspected cultists, insisting that no arm of the community administration had supported or financed cult activities.
"No member of the community leadership or any of its organs supplied arms to any cult group. Such allegations are false and should be disregarded. The community remains united in its resolve to eradicate cultism and criminality," he said.
Also speaking, former President-General of Oviri-Olomu and Secretary to the Ughelli South Local Government Council, Chief John Ewenede, recalled efforts made during his tenure to combat cultism, including granting cult members an opportunity to renounce their membership.
He lamented that despite those interventions, cult activities had resurfaced and become more violent in recent times, calling on youths to shun criminality and embrace productive ventures.
In his remarks, Mr. Thomas Abirhire, National Sports Director of Police Against Cultism and Other Vices (PACAV), warned young people against involvement in cultism, describing it as a destructive path with grave consequences.
He urged parents and guardians to monitor their children closely and partner with community leaders and security agencies in the campaign against cultism, stressing that governments at all levels would not tolerate criminal gangs threatening the peace and security of communities.
