10 K!lled as Rival Cult Groups Clash Over Oil Company Levies in Obelle Community
A brutal and deadly clash between rival cult groups has left no fewer than ten people dead in Obelle Community, located in the Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State. This eruption of violence comes just days after unidentified gunmen, suspected to be cult members, stormed the community and k!lled seven people, sparking widespread fear.
The renewed bloodshed, which occurred on Sunday, February 9, 2025, has drawn attention to the long-standing tensions in the region between rival cult groups, specifically the Deybam and Icelanders. These groups, notorious for their violent actions and influence in the Niger Delta, have battled for supremacy in the area for years, and the latest clash has only intensified concerns about the escalating violence in the region.
The violent confrontation is rooted in a fierce power struggle between two dominant cult groups: the Deybam and the Icelanders. While the motives for the clash have varied in the past, the current conflict is believed to be largely driven by competition for control over lucrative levies imposed on local oil companies operating in the region. Oil exploration and extraction are critical to the economy of Rivers State, and the wealth generated by the industry has made it a key point of contention between criminal organizations that thrive on extortion and illegal dealings.
The clash is not an isolated incident, as cult-related violence has been a persistent problem in the Niger Delta, where militant groups have long been entrenched in the socio-political fabric. In Obelle, the tension between the two factions had subsided for a brief period—over two years of uneasy calm—before reigniting with a vengeance.
Sources within the community revealed that Wednesday’s attack by the Icelanders led to the deaths of several Deybam cult members, and the retaliatory strike on Sunday morning was a direct response. As reported by local residents, members of one faction targeted the families of rival group members, believing that attacking the innocent would exact vengeance for the deaths of their own.
What followed was a bloody confrontation, as both sides unleashed a torrent of gunfire, resulting in numerous casualties, including innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. “The shooting was too intense, and people started fleeing the community,” said Kingsley, a source from the community. “Innocent residents were among those killed. We are calling on the government to intervene and restore peace.”
The scale of the violence has taken a toll on the local population, with many residents forced to flee their homes in search of safety. Some have sought refuge in neighboring towns or in the homes of distant relatives, but the fear of further violence continues to loom over the community.
The constant threat of such clashes has stunted the growth and development of Obelle, a once-peaceful community now caught in the crossfire between rival cult groups. Many are left wondering whether the government will intervene effectively to prevent further bloodshed and curb the influence of these criminal organizations.
The cult rivalry in Obelle is closely tied to the financial interests of oil companies that operate in the region. These companies are often extorted by criminal groups that demand a share of the profits generated from oil extraction. In this case, the conflict between the Deybam and Icelanders is believed to be centered around the control of levies collected from an oil company working in the area.
It is not uncommon for criminal organizations to exploit the wealth generated by the oil industry, using it to fund their violent activities and expand their influence. Cult groups in the Niger Delta are known for using oil revenue as a means to assert power, with each faction trying to monopolize the flow of funds.
According to Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, the ongoing violence in Obelle is directly linked to control over these levies. “It is a cult clash between the loyalists of Naked Wire and Carol. They are fighting over the control of levies from an oil company operating in the area,” Iringe-Koko confirmed. “About ten people have been confirmed dead, and investigations are ongoing. No arrests have been made yet.”
The Deybam and Icelanders are two of the most well-known cult groups in the Niger Delta, particularly in Rivers State. Both factions have earned notoriety for their violent actions, drug trafficking, and extortion of businesses.
- Deybam Cult: Known for their influence in various local communities, the Deybam cult is notorious for its ruthlessness and territorial control. They are often involved in extortion activities targeting both local residents and businesses, including oil companies. Members of this group have been known to terrorize local communities to maintain control over illicit revenue streams.
- Icelanders Cult: The Icelanders, a rival cult group, are equally notorious for their violent tendencies. They have a strong presence in the region and have been involved in similar criminal activities as the Deybam cult. However, they have been more strategic in their approach, forming alliances with other criminal organizations to strengthen their hold over resources, including oil industry levies.
Government Response and the Need for Intervention
As the violence in Obelle continues to escalate, many residents have called for increased intervention by the state and federal governments. In addition to the local police, there is a growing demand for military presence to help contain the violence. The situation in Obelle is a stark reminder of the challenges facing the Nigerian government in addressing the root causes of cult-related violence in the Niger Delta.
Government efforts to combat the influence of cult groups have been largely ineffective, as these organizations continue to operate with impunity, taking advantage of weak law enforcement structures and a lack of resources. In some cases, government officials have been accused of turning a blind eye to the situation, either due to corruption or a lack of political will to address the issue head-on.
As residents of Obelle continue to suffer, there is a pressing need for the government to tackle the complex web of issues contributing to the violence. This includes addressing the role of oil money in fueling the conflict, strengthening law enforcement in the region, and ensuring that justice is served for the victims of cult-related violence.
Conclusion: A Call for Justice and Peace
The tragic events in Obelle serve as a sobering reminder of the destructive power of cultism and the challenges that the people of Rivers State continue to face. As rival cult groups fight over control of oil levies, innocent lives are lost, and entire communities are left in fear. The time for decisive action is now, and the government must do more to protect its citizens from the scourge of cult violence that continues to plague the Niger Delta.
The call for peace is urgent, and for the sake of the people of Obelle and other communities suffering from similar violence, the government must act swiftly to restore order and justice.
This version of the story provides context on the region, the groups involved, and the socio-economic factors contributing to the violence, giving it a broader perspective. If you’d like further expansion or additional details, feel free to let me know!
10 k!lled as rival cult groups clash over control of oil company levies in Rivers community
A renewed clash between rival cult groups have claimed no fewer than 10 lives in Obelle Community, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.The latest clash occurred on Sunday, February 9, 2025 a few days after unidentified gunmen, suspected to be cultists, invaded the community, k!lling seven people.
The violent clash has caused panic, forcing many residents to flee the community for safety.
Sources told Punch that the renewed violence is a battle for supremacy between two notorious cult groups, Deybam and Icelanders, who resumed hostilities after over two years of uneasy calm.
It was gathered that following Wednesday’s attack, where members of one group were k!lled, their allies launched a retaliatory attack on Sunday, targeting the relatives of their rivals.
A source in the community, who identified himself simply as Kingsley, said innocent residents were among those k!lled in the clash.
“On Sunday, cultists clashed in our community. Many people have been k!lled, including innocent residents. The shooting was too intense, and people started fleeing the community. About 19 people have been k!lled,” he said.
“In the morning, some cultists came out and started shooting, attacking the relatives of those they believed were members of the gang that k!lled their colleagues on Wednesday. Not long after, the rival group came out, and both sides engaged in a fierce gun battle. Members of both groups died in the process.
“We are calling on the government to come to our aid. These cult groups are tearing our community apart. We need the police and the army to step in and stop this madness.”
Spokesman of the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, who confirmed the incident, saying the clash was linked to levies from an oil company in the area.
“It is a cult clash between loyalists of Naked Wire and Carol. They are fighting over the control of levies from an oil company operating in the area. About ten confirmed d3ad. No arrest yet, but investigation is ongoing,” the PPRO said
Source: LIB
