Pastor’s Son, Two Other Suspected Cultists Burnt Alive In Delta

By Onome Oghenetega 

No fewer than three suspected cultists have been reportedly burnt alive between Sunday and Wednesday at Ekiugbo area of Ughelli, Delta State. 

It was gathered that one of the deceased’s cultists was a son of a pastor at Atoro Street in Ekiugbo community. 

Sources explained that the suspected cultists were apprehended by mob at different locations in the area during attempted rivalry cult clashes in the area and were reportedly set ablaze. 

Multiple sources in the community who confirmed the incident disclosed that one of the cultists was set ablaze on Sunday. 

The second suspect was burnt on Monday while the third suspect was apprehended and burnt alive on Wednesday afternoon around Ekiugbo Junction. 

Ughelli, one of the densely populated cities in Delta, has been recording growing cases of cult clashes which had recorded about 30 deaths in the last three weeks. 

Four houses were also reportedly burnt within the period over cult related clashes. 

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Mostly hit in the cult unrest in Ughelli are Oteri and Ekiugbo communities. 

Speaking on the incident, a resident of the area narrated that, “A young man was set ablaze right at Ekiugbo Junction on Wednesday. He’s a cultist who tried to kill another person but ran out of luck. 

“Members of the Vigilante Group gave the gang a hot chase and caught up with one while the others escaped. The unlucky one was beaten to a pulp before being set ablaze. 

“Also, two other cultists have been burnt alive in similar circumstances on Sunday and Monday. One of the victims was a pastor’s son. We’re now living in fears in Ekiugbo community. Surprisingly enough, these are young boys.” 

However, following repeated cult attacks in Ekiugbo and other parts of the city, residents of Ughelli have appealed to the Delta State Government to intensify efforts at tackling rising and frequent cases of cult clashes. 

They lamented that resident of the city were living at the mercy of cultists. 

When contacted, Delta Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, said she was not aware of the development. She, however, promised to investigate and get back with details regarding the incident.