Renewed clash between De Balm and Iceland, two rival cult groups, in Inen Ikot Eteye, Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State last Saturday has claimed two lives.
In four months this year, clashes between the two rival cult groups that occurred in June and July had claimed six lives so far.
This was as the immediate past Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal spoke three months ago during the parade of more than 10 suspected cultists from the community at the state Police Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia.
The latest clash was alleged to have occurred when members of De Balm cult had Saturday morning caught a member of Iceland in his family compound and dismembered him.
An eyewitness, Mr Okon Idung told journalists Sunday in Uyo that the second victim simply identified as “USAboy” and a member of the community Vigilante group was caught by the cult group near the scene of the incident, matcheted and was dismembered.
Idung said “USAboy lives in the neighbouring village but met his untimely death that early morning as he rushed to carry his wife to the popular Urua Anwa market and the hoodlums overpowered and killed him.
“They caught him after they had killed the first person (names undisclosed). We heard when he was shouting for help, the cultists did not listen. They killed him on the spot just to hide their identity and escape arrest.”
Already, the incident has forced the family of the victim and entire village to flee for safety in neighbouring communities.
When Vanguard reporter contacted the State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Frederick Nnudam, he said Divisional Police Officer in Oruk Anam has confirmed the cult clash and killing of two persons to him.
“The Commissioner of Police, Amiengheme Andrew, mobilised officers of the anti-cultism, anti-kidnapping immediately the incident happened to restore peace, calm in the area.
“Operation Flush’ is stationed there and the whole area is under surveillance. As we speak, some suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident,” he added.
