19 feared dead as rival groups clash in southern Nigeria

ISTANBUL

At least 19 people are feared dead after clashes between two rival groups resumed over the weekend in the southern Rivers State in Nigeria, local media reported.

The fighting erupted on Sunday after gunmen raided the Obelle Community in the southern state killing 7 on Wednesday, according to local daily Punch.

A police spokeswoman said that the fighting was linked to oil company levies in the region and around 10 people were confirmed dead.

The parties to the conflict were believed to be the members of Icelanders and Deybam groups, the spokeswoman said, adding that an investigation was ongoing, but no one was arrested yet.