Again, Gunmen Kill 5 in Rivers

· Army arrests 17 suspected cultists, robbers

Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt

Tragedy once again struck in parts of Rivers State on Tuesday as five persons were killed in the state.

Two civilian security men were hacked to death at the premises of the State High Court Complex, Port Harcourt, while three other persons were shot dead at Bori, headquarters of Khana Local Government Area of the state.

This came as the Nigerian Army said it has arrested 17 suspected cultists and armed robbers alleged to have carried out several killings and theft in Rivers.

THISDAY gathered that the assailants who visited the Rivers Judiciary Complex attacked three civilian security guards who were on night duty with machetes and axes.

Two of the victims died on the spot while one, who was also heavily inflicted with machete cuts, was rushed to a health facility where he is now receiving treatment.

A female security guard, who did not wish to be named, said the victims were killed with machete and axes.

She stated that the killers had gained entrance into the court premises through the gate while the guards were asleep and pounced on them with the weapons.

The Chief Security Officer in charge of the judiciary complex, Mr. Batubo Douglas, confirmed that the victims were hacked to death with sticks, machetes and axes

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