The Rivers State Police Command has opened an investigation into the suspected cult-related killing of Julius Okpor, a 300-level student of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education. The incident reportedly occurred during a clash between rival cult groups in the Rumuolemeni area of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

Sources suggest the violence may be linked to an ongoing feud between suspected members of the Klu-Klux-Klan and Vikings confraternities, believed to have originated from a recent confrontation at a university in the Mile 2 Diobu area of Port Harcourt.

Investigations indicate the conflict may be spreading to other higher institutions and surrounding communities.

Last Thursday, police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the arrest of three students suspected to be cult members. The arrest, made on Azikiwe Street in Mile 2 Diobu, led to the recovery of an English-made revolver, one live round, and three spent cartridges after a violent clash between cult groups.

Providing updates on the latest incident, Iringe-Koko, in a statement issued Sunday, said officers responded swiftly to reports of gunfire in Rumuolumeni and found Okpor with gunshot wounds. He was taken to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The statement, titled “Suspected Cult-Related Killing in Rumuolumeni: Police Commence Investigation,” reads:

“On Saturday, July 20, 2025, at about 11:30 a.m., a report was received at Rumuolumeni Police Station that Julius Okpor, a 300-level student and indigene of Okposi in Ogba/Egbema LGA, was shot by suspected cultists near Cecilia Road, Rumuolumeni. Officers immediately responded, and the victim was rushed to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, where he was confirmed dead.”

Preliminary findings point to cult rivalry as the motive behind the attack. The command has since launched a full-scale investigation to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.

Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has assured the public of the command’s commitment to cracking down on cultism and restoring peace in affected areas. He urged residents to remain calm and collaborate with security agencies by reporting any suspicious activities or individuals.