Over 500 people have been reportedly killed in cult clashes in two local government areas of Ahoada-East and Ahoada West of Rivers State within nine months.

A study carried out by the Institute for Strategic and Developmental Studies revealed that a greater number of those who lost their lives were youths.

These facts were revealed by Nngeri GoodHead Goodlife, a lawyer and former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area, who carried out a study on the root causes of cult clashes and the effects in Ahoada East and Ahoada West local government areas.

Goodlife, who is a member of Ahoada East and Ahoada West local government areas peace, security and reconciliation committee, lamented that the deaths that had occurred in the area had been under reported.

He blamed the clashes on lack of regard for human lives and abandonment of culture of respect for elders.

He said the cult clashes were sponsored by people of Ekpeye but he deliberately refused to include their names in the report because the report was not a petition.

Goodlife appealed to the youths of the area to lay down their arms and embrace peace.