About Sixteen persons on Wednesday were reportedly shot dead in Ula Upata community, Ahoada East LGA in Rivers state by suspected cultists.

“The incident was more of cult-related heinous activities at Ula Upata community, Ahoada East local government area. Eight persons were killed," the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Muhammad said.

"Quick intervention by our men for stalled the situation from escalating. One of the suspected cultists was arrested and an English pump action gun recovered from him. Investigation is right now ongoing”, he said.

An eye witness, Mr Frank Alabi said he was in his room in the village when suddenly he started hearing gunshots, adding that he quickly ran into a nearby bush where he monitored all that happened.

“I saw everything. I was in my room when about five boys started shooting. The killing started about 12.5am. I was in my house when I saw the killers. They were five persons. They carried three AK47 and two pump actin. I called the DPO and the JTF.”

One of those killed was a Police Corporal and nine others in the community before they later moved to Ahoada West to kill another six persons," he said.



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