No fewer than three persons have been reportedly killed, while two others were abducted by gunmen suspected to be cultists, at Ubeta community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
It was learnt that the gunmen invaded the community on Wednesday, barely 72 hours after two shop owners were kidnapped in the community.
Confirming the incident was the Paramount ruler of Ubeta community, Chief Million Jonathan, who noted that not all the three persons killed were cultists.
“The two shop owners who were kidnapped are neigbours and up till this morning, Thursday (April 13, 2023) the kidnappers are yet to make contact with the community or family members of their victims.
“The attacks on the people of the community have been going on for months now without the intervention of the security agencies and the state government.
“Many inhabitants have fled the community due to sporadic shootings.
“Some of the youths perpetrating the act had earlier denounced cult activities and had sworn to community oath.
“Unfortunately, some of the youths have reneged and gone back to their old ways of criminality,” the paramount ruler lamented.
He however maintained that the community is willing to train the warring youths in skill acquisition if they shun criminality, while calling on the government to come to their aid.