SENIOR Special Assistant (SSA) to the Delta State Governor on Security, Olorogun Uteme Bateren, has alleged that the resumed cult killing in Ughelli North is being fueled by politicians with the ambition to contest elections into various seats in 2027.
Olorogun Uteme, a traditional Chief disclosed this while reacting to the recent cult related killings and injuries that were sustained in the fracas.
Condemning the recent spate of cult-related killings in Ughelli, he describe the incident as unfortunate and appalling as it is politically motivated.
Recalled that on Sunday 2nd of March, 2025 two persons, Socrates and Oghenero Okpos were killed as a result of cult clash while others was critically injured in different areas within the Ughelli metropolis.
Speaking on the issue, Bateren expressed deep concern over the violence, emphasizing that the victims are predominantly young men. He pointed out that the clashes involve rival confraternity, including the Neo-Black Movement (NBM), Vikings, and Eiye confraternity, with each group suffering casualties.
“We don’t really know the exact cause of the problem, but I believe it is driven by selfish interests, especially with the upcoming 2027 elections.
“The whole is issue is a battle for supremacy, and some politicians are stirring things up. These young men being used are fools; they don’t realize they are being manipulated,” Bateren stated.
According to Bateren, “The cult clashes are not random but are being influenced by politicians who seek to strengthen their factions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Many of these young men are being used as pawns by political pressure groups trying to prove themselves and cause unnecessary trouble,” he explained.
“Before now, there was an accord between all confraternity, signed under the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, Ughelli A’ division, and the Area Commander to maintain peace and all the cult leaders agreed to surrender any member responsible for violent acts.
“But due to threats and manipulation, this initiative fell apart and the right people are not being invited to security meetings rather only those who will say what the authorities want to hear are included. That is why the killings persist,” he lamented.
“There is the need for a comprehensive security meeting involving key stakeholders, the police, royal fathers, local government officials, and community heads.
“We need a firm decision that states clearly if this happens, this is how we will handle it. Security should be managed through the palace, as the royal father of Ughelli must take a stand,” he said.
Speaking further, Olorogun Uteme Bateren revealed that confraternities have devited from their original purpose, which was to foster academic and social growth.
“Back in the day, if a member was falling behind academically, the group would push him to improve. But now, people who never even stepped into a university are leading these groups, and they are causing trouble.”
Addressing reports of another killing in the Makolomi area, Bateren clarified that the incident was not connected to the cult war. “The person killed in Makolomi was a robber who was caught breaking into a warehouse. The community took matters into their own hands,” he revealed.
“We have vigilantes, hunters, police, and soldiers, yet the killings continue because some security personnel are also involved. The police must wake up to their responsibilities,” he warned.
The SSA on Security further called for a united front to stop the violence before it escalates ahead of the elections. “If nothing is done, by 2026, the situation will be hell. We must act now to prevent further bloodshed,” he said.
