By Admin 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Warri
DELTA: The ongoing rivalry between the Eiye and Maphite cult groups in Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, has claimed the life of Solomon Christopher, a 45-year-old father of five, in what community members describe as a retaliatory attack.
Local sources disclosed that Christopher, who was not associated with any cult group, was targeted and killed in cold blood, adding to the growing number of victims in the cult-related violence that has gripped the area.
Speaking anonymously, a resident described the worsening situation: “Two people were killed recently at Okpalefe Junction, and another person barely survived a gunshot attack. If the cultists don’t find their targets, they destroy properties. The situation is becoming unbearable.”
Shortly after Christopher’s death, another man identified simply as Sam was shot and injured, further fueling fears among residents.
In another related incident, a father of three was killed days earlier in Oteri-Ughelli, a neighboring community also plagued by clashes between the rival cult groups.
Community members have called on the Delta State Police Command to urgently address the crisis. “We need the police to act fast and bring these criminals to justice. Peace must be restored before the situation gets completely out of hand,” a concerned community leader said.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, for an official statement were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
As fear grips residents, many are fleeing their homes to escape the violence. Meanwhile, community leaders are appealing to the youth to abandon cultism and embrace peace, especially as the festive season draws near.
“Let us not allow violence to ruin our communities. The time to reject this destruction and come together for peace is now,” a leader implored