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FOUR days after seven persons were reportedly killed during an attack by a group of gunmen in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, the death toll had risen to 15.

At least 12 suspected members of a cult group had stormed Omoku Town in the area and opened fire on innocent indigenes of the area on Friday night.

Among those who died on the spot during the raid was a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in the area, Chief Godspower Ayodu.

The Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ahmad Mohammad, who had earlier confirmed the incident, said seven persons lost their lives in a cult clash within the area.

It was, however, learnt that some of the victims of the attack that were rushed to the hospital later died while others were still lying critically ill.

A member of the House of Representatives representing Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Federal Constituency, Mr. Gift Wokocha, maintained that over 15 persons from the area had lost their lives as a result of the incident.

Wokocha, who expressed sadness over the killings in the area, appealed to the people to embrace peace and desist from any act that could cause the destruction of lives and properties.

"There is no need for rancour and acrimony in Omoku. Omoku is an oil producing community and the people have to be protected. The level of killings and kidnappings here is not acceptable," he said.‎