Fresh fears have gripped residents of the Asarama District in Andoni Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State following renewed attacks believed to be carried out by rival cult groups.
The resurgence comes barely months after the Nigerian Army dislodged the groups from the area.
Speaking with Nigeria Info, the Chairman of the Asarama Divisional Council of Traditional Rulers, King Daniel Okikere-Ibani, confirmed that the assailants returned last week to launch coordinated strikes on Inyongoroung and Iwoma communities.
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Several houses were reportedly set ablaze, forcing families to flee and heightening anxiety across neighbouring settlements.
According to the monarch, the suspected cultists, previously chased out during a military operation, appear to have regrouped and capitalised on the reduced security presence to stage their comeback.
He warned that their return has shattered the fragile calm the district had enjoyed in recent months.
King Okikere-Ibani appreciated the intervention of the local government chairman, noting that immediate response helped prevent further destruction.
However, he stressed that more robust action was urgently required to prevent the situation from escalating in the state
He cautioned that if the threat persists, many natives of Asarama may abandon plans to return home for the festive season, fearing renewed violence.
