Police confirm four killed in cult rivalry in A’Ibom

Ini Billie, Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has confirmed the death of four persons following the clash of two rival cults at Anua Offot, Use Offot and Nwaniba road in Uyo Local Government Area.

It was gathered that the two cults Klaans and Black Axe confraternities, clashed over the control of minibus parks and the toll collection, leading to the destruction of lives and property worth millions of naira in the suburb.

It was learnt that the crisis started along Idu in Uruan Local Government Area, and spread to Use Offot, Ekpri Nsukara, and Oniong communities in Uyo LGA.

Speaking on the crisis in a press release on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Odiko Macdon, said the Commissioner of Police, Olatoye Durosinmi, has deployed tactical resources to restore order and fish out perpetrators.

“The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Police Command, CP Olatoye Durosinmi is miffed at the disruption of Public Order and Safety by two rival cult groups at Anua Offot and Use Offot, both at Nwaniba in Uyo Local Government Area, leading to the loss of four lives.

“The CP condemned in strong terms the wanton destruction of lives and has vowed to bring perpetrators to book. Hence, he has deployed Tactical resources to restore order and fish out perpetrators.

“The CP has, therefore, called on residents of the said communities and Uyo to go about their lawful businesses without fear of molestation and be assured of their safety because of strategies emplaced.

“He has sent a clear warning to perpetrators of these dastardly acts to desist forthwith or face the dire consequences of their actions,” he stated.

Narrating her ordeal during the clash, Nora Iwang, a journalist, said she couldn’t go home and had to sleep in her relations and friend’s place following distressed calls received from neighbours around the Udo Ekpo Nkpo Street.

“Thank God, I finally arrived at my house this morning after my friends called me Monday evening to sleep elsewhere and not to return for fear of being killed by the rampaging armed hoodlums,” Iwang said.

Another resident of the area, Aniefiok Usen said, “My wife called me around 7:50 pm on Monday, that I should not return home because of ongoing killings around my area in Udo Ekpo Nkpo Street and the adjoining areas of Nwaniba, Ekpri Nsukara, Eniong Offot and Use Offot communities. I had to take refuge at my sister’s place off Abak Road till this morning”.