Three feared killed in rival cults clash in A’Ibom

Ini Billie, Uyo

Three persons have been feared killed in a cult clash involving two confraternities – Vikings and Mafians around the Ibom Plaza area, Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom State.

It was learnt that the clash between the two cult groups, which started around 6.30 pm on Tuesday evening lasted for two hours before the intervention of security agencies.

A tricycle operator, Aniekan Akpainyang, who spoke with journalists on Wednesday, said the clash was caused by a minor disagreement at a betting shop, along Ikot Ekpene road by the plaza area.

“One cultist, a member of the Vikings confraternity had placed a bet to the tune of N5,000, but could not pay after he lost. The shop attendant asked him to pay or drop his phone, but he refused and, instead call his gang members on phone, who came, pounced on the attendant and raided the shop,” he said.

Akpainyang said a reprisal from the Mafia group, where the attacked person belonged, led to a free-for-all fight resulting in the death of three persons.

He explained that two persons were killed at the Plaza area, one at the Ikpa road junction, close to the University of Uyo town campus, and two others at Okokon Etuk street, a few meters to the Uyo City centre.

In a press statement released on the matter, Police Public Relations Officer, SP Odiko Macdon said the Commissioner of Police, Olatoye Durosinmi condemned the incident which has created fear among the people.

Odiko was however silent on the number of persons who died during the encounter, but said cultism has been banned in the state and perpetrators will be apprehended and prosecuted.

“The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State, CP Olatoye Durosinmi condemned in strong terms, the unfortunate incident which caused palpable fear among the good people of the state.

“The CP has reminded those involved in this dastardly act to note that the ban on cultism in the state is still in force and that henceforth, perpetrators of such acts will be apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with extant laws.

“The CP has, therefore, called on Residents of the state to go about their lawful duties without fear of molestation as the Command has emplaced adequate security at the Plaza and around the state, throughout the Yuletide and beyond,” he stated.