Three Persons Killed as Cult Groups Clash in Akwa Ibom

 

Three persons were reportedly killed in a bloody clash between two rival cult groups in Akwa Ibom State.

The clash occurred in Inen community in OrukAnam Local Government Area of the state.

It was gathered that one Otobong Ben Ufenang was allegedly killed last Monday by a five-man gang and his body dismembered near the community primary school at Inen Ikot Etim.

Another victim was allegedly lynched in Odoro Ikot at the boundary village between Ukanafun and OrukAnam council areas.

Also, the third victim was murdered in Inen Ikot Obio Idang, where houses were looted and residents fled the area for their dear lives.

An eyewitness said the deceased Ufenang was murdered near the community primary school in Ikot Etim.

Members of the yet-to-be-identified gang were said to have descended on the victim with machetes, cutting him severally until he slumped in the pool of his blood.

"They just swoop on the young man, accosted him and started cutting his body before he bled and died," he said.

The eyewitness, who pleaded anonymity for fear of attack, said the scene caused panic as residents of Inen Ikot Etim ran away from their houses to take refuge in neighbouring villages.

As at yesterday, armed policemen were seen patrolling the scene of the incident to restore normalcy while the corpse was taken away by family members.

Meanwhile, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Nnudam Frederick, has confirmed the incident, but insisted that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in the area would ascertain the number of suspects arrested.

According to him, "The DPO of the area actually called me that there was a clash between two rival cult groups.

"And as a result of that, three persons were killed. Today, I have not heard of any incident, but the police have been drafted to restore normalcy in the area. The police van has been positioned there."