By Stephen Simon
A suspected cult-related attack has claimed the life of a middle-aged man identified simply as Yemi in Iyara community, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The incident occurred on Tuesday evening when suspected rival cult members allegedly stormed the residence of the deceased and attacked him with machetes.
Sources in the community said the assailants, believed to be members of a rival cult group, trailed the victim to his residence before hacking him to death and fleeing the scene.
The killing has thrown the community into mourning, with residents describing the deceased as a lively and friendly young man known for his singing talent and cheerful disposition.
“Yemi was a good singer, full of life and always making people laugh. He related well with everyone and was very friendly,” a resident told People&Politics.
Several community sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, alleged that the deceased had previously been linked to the killing of another youth in the area.
According to the sources, a video allegedly circulated after that incident led to his arrest by security operatives. They claimed that Yemi was subsequently taken to Zone 5 Police Headquarters for investigation and was later remanded at the Okere Correctional Centre before recently regaining his freedom on bail.
The sources further alleged that he had only recently recovered from a gunshot wound to his leg before the fatal attack.
The latest killing has heightened concerns over the growing wave of cult-related violence in parts of Warri, with residents calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to tackle the menace.
They lamented that many young people were losing their lives to cult clashes at a time when the country is already grappling with insecurity, including kidnapping, banditry and terrorism.
“Something urgent must be done to stop these killings before our youths wipe themselves out. Rather than killing one another, young people should unite against the security challenges facing our communities,” another resident said.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the Delta State Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls placed to the police spokesperson did not connect as of the time of filing this report. However, a police officer in Warri, who did not wish to be named, confirmed that the police were aware of the incident.
