By Emmanuel Ogoigbe
A suspected cult-related attack has claimed the life of a young man identified simply as Yemi in Iyara community, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The incident occurred on Tuesday evening when suspected members of a rival cult group allegedly stormed the victim’s residence and attacked him with machetes.
Residents told reporters that the assailants reportedly trailed Yemi to his home before launching the deadly attack. He was hacked to death on the spot, while the attackers fled the scene immediately after the incident.
The killing has thrown the community into mourning, with many residents describing Yemi as a lively and talented young man known for his singing ability, cheerful nature and friendly relationship with people in the area.
“Yemi was a good singer, full of life and always making people laugh. He related well with everyone and was very friendly,” a resident said.
Community sources, who requested anonymity, alleged that the deceased had previously been linked to the killing of another youth in the area. According to the sources, a video said to have surfaced after the earlier incident led to his arrest by security operatives.
They claimed that Yemi was taken to the Zone 5 Police Headquarters for investigation and was later remanded at the Okere Correctional Centre before being released on bail. The sources further alleged that he had only recently recovered from a gunshot wound to his leg prior to his death.
The latest killing has heightened concerns over the growing wave of cult-related violence in Warri, with residents calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to tackle the menace.
They lamented that many young people continue to lose their lives to cult clashes at a time when the country is already grappling with other security challenges, 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 official confirmation from the Delta State Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls to the police spokesperson were not answered as of the time of filing this report.
