Ini Friday, Uyo
At least, one person was reportedly killed when suspected cultists clashed with traders in Obo Annang Market in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The market is open once in a week and is patronised by traders from neighbouring local government areas Abak, Uyo, and Abia State.
It was gathered that the cultists numbering over 80 arrived at the market on different motorbikes, when some traders were busy offloading their wares, others displaying their items, some hawking theirs in the market located on Eka Uruk Eshiet-Mkpatak-Ukana Road.
An eyewitness told journalists that the suspected cultists from Ukana Ikot Ofok came on a revenge mission because one of their members was killed by another a rival cult from Ikot Idomo, where the market is located.
“On Saturday, November 21, the cultists struck in the market and shot continuously in the air in the market to scare away the traders. Traders were seen scurrying in different directions safety. Some sustained injuries while others lost their wares.
“In the process, one of the traders was hit by a stray bullet and the person died on the spot. Unfortunately, the cultists used the opportunity to loot goods and wares in the market.
“The police in the area could not quell the skirmish and looting. It was the soldiers from Ibagwa Army Cantonment, who came and calmed the unbearable situation.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Akwa Ibom State, SP Odiko MacDon, said on a telephone on Sunday he had yet to be briefed on what happened in the market.
He said: “I have not yet been briefed about the incident. I am not aware. Once the Divisional Police Officer in the area briefs me, I will let you know about it tomorrow.”