3 confirmed dead, 3 arrested as revenue war breaks out in Onne, Rivers State

… As HELDI urges women, young people to steer clear of violence in affected areas

The Rivers State police has confirmed three persons killed and three others arrested in what appeared to be revenue wars spearheaded by what the police termed rival cult gangs.

Inside sources said the underlining reasons could be control of revenue collection authority between boys loyal to present and past local council bosses of Eleme local council area.

A source embedded in the area said the Onne community had become a no-go area at the moment as groups advised their members and workers not to get near places such as Aggeta.

It was reported that one person (name withheld) was shot dead in the early hours of Sunday, February 3, 2025 by unknown armed men.

The source said the family and other well-wishers reacted by fighting back. Many seem to know the leader of the gang that killed the first victim. The alleged killer was described by one close source as a detainee who was assisted out of detention by a onetime local council boss to come fight for them during the last LGA elections in the state (October, 2024).

By mid-Sunday, information available indicated that two persons were killed and buildings set ablaze. By evening however, the police confirmed three killings.

Preliminary findings showed that the chief revenue collector at the Onne Market who had been in charge for years under the authorization of one of the outgone LGA chairmen was asked to step down on January 29, 2025 by the current chairman.

The current chairman was said to have made the changes by reorganizing the revenue collection unit and probably replaced them with his own loyalists. It was gathered that some of the displaced boys vehemently rejected the change and began to foment troubles, forcing the present leadership of the Council to order some arrests on January 30. This was said to have provoked the attack on February 1, 2025, by those who lost out, leading to the killing of the first victim.

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A source said: “The other group loyal to the present chairman got angry and launched what looked like a reprisal attack which led to the death of two persons.”

A twist in the crisis has however appeared as the alleged presence of a notorious killer who ought to be in detention has created fears. Families are warning their relations to avoid Agbeta areas of Onne.

Security agencies have been at the said community to ensure peace and calmness in the area. A source said: “As we speak, residents of the said area (Agbeta) have all moved out for fear of the unknown.”

It was also alleged that an attempt was made to set a certain building on fire, a building allegedly owned by the former party leader but for the presence of the security personnel that averted it.

A source close to the local council authority pointed fingers to those who released the notorious killer (name withheld).

Other sources said the alleged killer has been killed but others suspect it was the usual cover up so he could be whisked to unknown place in the guise of death. The source said: “He used to parade the community with AK47 and he has been responsible for several deaths in the area. His stronghold is Onne, the home town of a former LGA chairman.”

Those in Eleme believe the police was helpless and would even be happy that the notorious killer was dead. They claim the killer was bigger than the law. The source confirmed that three persons have so far been killed.

Reacting to inquiries, Grace Iringe-Koko, a superintendent of police and police public relations officer (PPRO), said what took place were attacks and reprisal between two cult groups. She said three were found dead, and three arrested. She described the weapons recovered as locally made double-barreled pistol, seven cartridges, and some other items, adding that investigations have begun.

One of the fast-rising community-based organizations, HELDi, led by Mfon Utin, has called on members of her outfit as well as women and young persons to keep away from troubled areas.

HELDi also urged women and young people to shun violence. “As an organization, we strongly advise youths, women, and all community members to steer clear of violence and not allow themselves to be used by politicians for violent activities. We also appeal to all upcoming Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) response teams to intensify their sensitization efforts, especially among youths and women, to spread this message and help prevent further crises in the community. Thank you all for your commitment and all you are doing for a safe environment and healthy living for all.”