11 killed, many other injured in Rivers cult attack

No fewer than 11 persons were killed and several others wounded when unknown gunmen opened fire at Agbonchia market in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State on Saturday evening.

Eyewitness said about three gunmen suspected to be cultists and riding a motorbike, shot sporadically at a group of youths at the motorcycle wash section of the market.

“They came into the market with a motorbike and were about three. We thought they came to wash their motorcycle. But before we knew it, they started shooting at the people.

“Immediately after shooting, they jumped on their bike and sped off. In the end, we saw not less than 11 lifeless bodies on the ground and several others with gunshot injuries.

“We don’t know the reason for the ugly incident,” an eyewitness who identified herself as Beatrice said.

When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, in the state, Ahmad Muhammad, who confirmed the shooting, said only five persons were killed in the incident.

Muhammad stated that one person have been arrested in connection with the attack. He said preliminary investigation by the police revealed that the incident was a cult attack. 

“The assailants came on motorcycles, opened fired on a motorcycles’ wash point at Agbonchia Eleme and fled. Five persons lost their lives.

“Preliminary investigation revealed the incident is related to cult activities. One suspect is right now undergoing interrogation, while investigation has commenced with a view to apprehend the miscreants,” he said.