No fewer than 23 persons have been declared dead in Omoku area of Rivers State after Gunmen believed to be cultists rounded them as they returned from church in the early hours of the morning and killed them.

The incident has cast a large shadow of fear in residents of the area who are already facing daily security challenges in the region.

All attempts by Newsline reporters to reach the police PRO proved abortive and they are yet to make any official statement on the tragedy.

see pictures here ... http://www.ngnewsline.com/black-new-years-day-rivers-state-23-people-slaughtered-gunmen-way-back-cross-service-graphic-photos/