A total of 17 suspected cultists in Akwa Ibom have been arrested by the State Police Command over the murder of two persons.
A statement signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Frederick N-Nudam, and made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Uyo, said there was a clash between rival Debam and Iceland cult groups in Mbiaso and Ikot Etim communities in Inen Clan, Oruk Anam local government area.
According to him, the clash resulted in the death of two males: Ofonime Uduak and Iniobong Kufre Silas.
N-Nudam explained that following the intervention of the Police, normalcy had returned to the area while an investigation into the case was ongoing.
He noted that the police had entered into a partnership with the paramount ruler of Oruk Anam, His Royal Majesty, Johnson Obosi, and other stakeholders, leading to a royal proclamation directing the people to give useful information to the Police on the issue.
He stated that the Police would continue to embark on a special operation in the area until all cultists and their sponsors are arrested and prosecuted.
“On Monday, 27th April 2020 at about 10.45 a.m, the Police Command received a disturbing report of a rival cult clash between ‘Debam’ and ‘Iceland’ cult groups at Mbiaso and Ikot Etim communities in Inen Clan, Oruk Anam Local Government Area.
“The clash culminated to the death of one Ofonime Uduak ‘m’ and Iniobong Kufre Silas ‘m’ while the whereabouts of one Ikpongiforo Etim ‘m’ and Etang Alex Effiong ‘m’ is yet unknown.
“Following the report, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State, CP Imohimi Edgal, immediately ordered for a special operation in the area.
“So far, 17 suspected cultists have been apprehended and more suspects will be arrested in the coming days as investigation and the operations continue,” the statement read.
