In renewed cult-related violence in Warri, four young men were killed in separate incidents within days, deepening concern among residents over rising insecurity in the area.
The latest attacks occurred late Tuesday night around the Cemetery Road axis, where two men were shot by suspected cult members. One of the victims, identified locally as Yemi, was said to have previously moved out of the neighborhood with his family but still maintained ties with friends in the area.
A resident familiar with the situation said Yemi was found dead at the scene on Tuesday, while the second victim was initially missing. His body was later discovered Wednesday afternoon in a drainage close to a church building after friends and community members intensified a search.
Earlier the same night, another fatal shooting was reported around the 1st Marine Gate area, where two additional young men were also killed under similar circumstances.
Community members say the pattern of attacks has raised fears of further reprisals, with many urging authorities to strengthen security presence and prevent escalation. One resident described the killings as timed to avoid immediate detection, noting that the attackers struck while commercial activity was still ongoing.
An elderly resident, Sam, expressed concern over the continued involvement of young people in cult groups despite repeated fatalities. He said the recurring deaths were leaving families devastated and communities unsettled.
Another resident, Misan, said the timing of the attacks suggested deliberate planning to avoid confrontation with local vigilante groups.
The latest killings add to a growing toll linked to cult-related violence in the area, with residents estimating at least eight deaths in recent weeks. Last month, a separate wave of killings triggered a protest by women who marched to the Warri South Local Government Secretariat in Warri South Local Government Secretariat, demanding stronger action from authorities to curb the violence.
Security agencies have yet to issue a formal update on arrests or ongoing investigations as tension continues across affected neighborhoods.
