Fresh violence allegedly linked to clashes between rival cult groups has heightened tension in Owerri, Imo State, following the reported killing of a man identified as Kilo Kilo, described in circulating reports as a National Elder of the Neo Black Movement (NBM).
According to information provided to Naija Confra, the incident occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, in front of the victim’s printing shop along Ihugba Street, Tetlow Road, near Mbaise Road and behind a Moniepoint office in Owerri.
The report alleges that suspected members of the De Norsemen Kclub International (DNKI), commonly known as Vikings, shot Kilo Kilo in the head. He was reportedly rushed to a hospital while still alive but later died.
The account further alleges that treatment was delayed because a police report was requested before medical attention could proceed. This claim has not been independently verified, and the hospital’s account of the incident was not available at the time of writing.
Kilo Kilo was reportedly a married man with four children. His death, if confirmed as described, represents another devastating loss for a family caught in the wider consequences of cult-related violence.
The same account alleges that two other people were attacked on Saturday, with one reportedly dead and the condition of the other still unknown.
There were also reports of suspected armed individuals moving around the Amawusa area towards Ikenegbu. Subsequently, a man identified in the account as Dad** B** was reportedly shot around Ikenegbu by suspected NBM members. He was said to have survived and driven away despite sustaining gunshot injuries.
These separate incidents have not been independently confirmed, and it remains unclear whether they are directly connected or whether additional victims were involved.
The reported attacks have raised concerns about the safety of residents, traders, transport operators and other members of the public who may find themselves caught in the crossfire.
The escalating tension is being linked in the supplied account to the reported killing of a man identified as Chikereuba, also known as Bomber, who was described as a senior figure within the Vikings group.
According to the account, Bomber was allegedly killed by suspected NBM members on Thursday, October 15, after celebrating a cult-related anniversary and subsequently travelling to Orji to meet his girlfriend.
The account further describes him as a major drug dealer and alleged financier of the Vikings group. These claims have not been independently verified and should not be treated as facts.
Although clashes involving Vikings and Aye members were reportedly already occurring in Orji, the account claims that no deaths had been reported before Bomber’s killing. His death was subsequently followed by further alleged attacks in Owerri and surrounding areas.
The sequence of events, including the identities of those responsible for the various shootings, requires independent confirmation by security authorities.
9News Nigeria account further alleges that leaders of the Vikings group are offering a reward of ₦1 million for the killing of any NBM member.
The alleged bounty has not been independently verified. If substantiated, however, such an arrangement would raise serious concerns about the possibility of retaliatory attacks and the deliberate targeting of individuals.
Authorities should investigate the claim and take appropriate steps to prevent further bloodshed.
The account also suggests that the violence may be spreading into several parts of Owerri, including school environments. However, no independently confirmed details were available regarding specific schools affected, the identities of any victims, or whether classes had been disrupted.
The account also refers to an alleged attack on Friday night, October 16, after which a video was reportedly circulated by individuals identified as NBM members, claiming that the victim was a man named Chigozie.
According to the source, the victim was not Chigozie, and the identification shared alongside the video was allegedly false.
The video and the identity of the victim have not been independently verified for this report.
The development highlights the dangers of circulating unverified identities, graphic footage, and claims of responsibility during periods of violent conflict. Such material can mislead the public, endanger innocent people and potentially provoke further retaliation.
Residents are urged to avoid sharing unverified reports or identifying alleged victims and perpetrators without credible evidence.
The account claims that some people associated with the rival groups have left Owerri amid the escalating tension, with some reportedly returning to communities in Orlu and Okigwe local government areas, while others are said to have travelled to cities such as Lagos and Abuja.
These claims have not been independently confirmed. Nevertheless, the broader concern remains that violent confrontations can leave communities fearful and force innocent residents to change their routines or abandon their businesses.
Cult-related violence does not discriminate between the powerful and the vulnerable. Families, traders, students, transport workers and innocent passers-by may all suffer the consequences of shootings and retaliatory attacks.
The belief that membership of a cult group provides lasting protection, brotherhood, or influence can have devastating consequences. Participation in such groups may expose individuals to years of intimidation, criminal allegations, violent rivalries, and potentially fatal retaliation.
The reported incidents call for urgent attention from the Imo State Police Command and other relevant security agencies.
Authorities should establish the facts surrounding the reported deaths and shootings, identify those responsible through lawful investigations, protect vulnerable communities, and investigate the alleged threats and bounty.
Residents with credible information should report it through appropriate security channels rather than attempting retaliation or taking the law into their own hands.
As of the preparation of this report, independent confirmation of the reported killings, the alleged hospital delay, the identities of those involved, and the claimed reward was not available. The police and other relevant authorities should provide verified information to clarify the situation.
No cult group, rivalry, loyalty, or claim of brotherhood is worth the destruction of human life. Every reported death represents a family facing grief, children potentially growing up without a parent, and a community living with fear and uncertainty.
Young people must understand that violence is not a sustainable path to respect, protection, or success. The consequences of joining a violent group can follow a person for decades, placing both the individual and their family at risk.
Reject cultism. Reject retaliation. Reject violence. Choose life, peace and a future free from bloodshed.*
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