The Rivers State Police Command has launched an investigation into the death of Julius Okpor, a 300-level undergraduate of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, who was shot dead in a suspected cult-related attack in the Rumuolumeni area of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
According to police reports, the incident occurred on Saturday, July 20, 2025, around Cecilia Road in Rumuolumeni. Okpor was reportedly shot by suspected members of a rival cult group and later confirmed dead at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.
Police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the development in a statement on Sunday, stating that officers responded promptly to the scene and transported the victim to the hospital. Preliminary investigations point to a connection with an ongoing rivalry between cult groups.
The statement, titled ‘Suspected cult-related killing in Rumuolumeni: Police commence investigation’, said Okpor was an indigene of Okposi in the Ogba/Egbema Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The killing is believed to be linked to renewed clashes between the Klu-Klux-Klan and Vikings confraternities, which reportedly escalated following a recent cult-related conflict in the Mile 2 Diobu area of Port Harcourt. Three suspected cultists were arrested last week in connection with that incident, along with the recovery of firearms and ammunition.
The police say the conflict may be spreading to other university campuses and surrounding communities.
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has assured residents that the command is taking decisive steps to restore order. He reiterated the police’s resolve to track down those responsible for Okpor’s death and dismantle cult networks operating in the state.
Adepoju urged the public to remain calm and support security efforts by reporting suspicious activities and providing credible information to aid ongoing investigations.
