One k!lled as rival cult factions clash over girlfriend in Rivers

A young man was shot d3ad following an intra-cult clash in the Mile 1 Axiz of Diobu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, reportedly sparked by a dispute over a girlfriend. 

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The incident occurred on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026 along Abakiliki Street, where factions of the Deybam cult group, identified as BS and D12 houses, engaged in a violent confrontation.

Residents told Daily Trust that the violence involved suspected members of the Doggies and White Eagles factions of the Deybam cult group, who were said to be battling for territorial control as well as the attention of a young woman in the area. 

The situation escalated when the groups went on a rampage, k!lling one member from the rival faction.

It was gathered that the victim had gone to buy bread at a nearby shop when he was attacked by gunmen who arrived in a vehicle and opened fire on him.

The shooting caused panic in the neighbourhood, with residents and passersby fleeing for safety.

The officers from the Mile 1 Division later arrived at the scene and evacuated the body shortly after the attackers fled.

The spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, who confirmed the incident, said a manhunt had been launched on the k!llers.

She linked the k!lling to an intra-cult clash among members of a group in Diobu.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered a manhunt for the perpetrators with a view to bringing them to justice. Security has been reinforced in the area as investigation continues,” she added.