A renewed surge of cult violence has gripped Agbarho in Delta State, following a confrontation between the Maphite (GCAI) and Eiye (ACN) confraternities that began during the watch-night activities of the Agbarho Ibi Festival on Monday.
Verified accounts from both sides now confirm that the clash was triggered by an initial attack attributed to Eiye members.
According to Maphite sources, their members were “on their own” when Eiye allegedly launched an unprovoked strike.
Eiye members, while acknowledging a previous unresolved grievance, admitted that Maphite had not attacked them prior to Monday’s violence.
The conflicting narratives nonetheless underscore a shared acceptance that the confrontation was not warranted.
The initial assault quickly spiraled into reprisal attacks. Multiple individuals from both sides sustained severe stabbing injuries, including the Maphite “number one” in the area, who was hospitalized with critical wounds.
Images and videos circulating on social media showed graphic injuries largely affecting Maphite members, though Eiye members were also wounded.
By Tuesday morning, tragedy deepened when an Eiye member identified as Konto succumbed to sustained injuries.
Rumours circulating in Agbarho suggested Konto may have been a former Maphite member who defected, but both factions firmly denied this, affirming that he had always belonged to the Eiye confraternity.
Konto’s death triggered further escalation. Eiye hit squads reportedly moved through various streets searching for Maphite targets, while residents also reported sightings of Maphite retaliation teams.
In the unfolding chaos, an Eiye squad killed a man identified as Jonathan, a recent migrant from Warri.
Maphite members denied any affiliation with him, and independent local sources also stated he was not a cultist, though two individuals mentioned an unrelated cult group.
Community leaders and faction representatives are said to be pushing for a ceasefire, but as of Wednesday morning, no formal peace agreement had been confirmed.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant as tensions continue to simmer.
