By Prince Woke
The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has vowed to clamp down on cult activities following the killing of Julius Okpor, a 300-level student of Ignatius Ajuru University, by suspected cultists on Saturday, July 20, 2025.
Okpor was shot at about 11:30 a.m. along Cecilia School Road in the Iwofe area of Rumuolumeni, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. The student, an indigene of Okposi in Ogba/Egbema Local Government Area, was reportedly attacked by members of a rival cult group.
The Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, stating that officers from Rumuolumeni Police Division responded swiftly to the scene. The victim was rushed to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, where he was later confirmed dead by medical personnel.
“Preliminary investigations suggest the attack may be linked to ongoing rival cult clashes. The Rivers State Police Command has commenced a full-scale investigation to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” Iringe-Koko said.
The killing comes just days after three suspected student cultists were arrested with an English-made revolver, live and expended ammunition following a violent clash between two cult groups around Azikiwe Street, Mile 2 Diobu, Port Harcourt.
In response to the rising incidents, CP Adepoju assured the public that the command is intensifying efforts to dismantle cult networks and restore peace in affected communities.
He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement by providing credible information that could aid investigations and help curb cult-related violence in the state.
